Peter Wright sends clear retirement message as he predicts major ...

Darts star Peter Wright has issued a defiant retirement message by announcing he is ready to defeat teen sensation Luke Littler. The 54-year-old is through to the third round at Alexandra Palace and is also confident he can even defy the odds to secure his third World Darts Championship title.

On Tuesday night, Wright unconvincingly defeated Wesley Plaisier 3-1 to advance to the third round. The two-time world champion will face the Netherlands’ Jermaine Wattimena next. ‘Snakebite’ has struggled for form throughout 2024 but feels he is returning to his best at Ally Pally, where he won the world title in 2020 and 2022.

Post-match, Wright took a swipe at those who had previously suggested he should retire or move on to the senior darts circuit. The two-time champion has insisted he is prepared to take on all challengers, including reigning champion Luke Humphries and 17-year-old talent and favourite Littler.

When asked if he had ever had doubts about turning results around, Wright replied: “No. People say, ‘you should be retiring, you should be going to the old gits' thing’. I’m not ready for that yet. I’m ready to upset Luke Littler. I’m here to upset Luke Humphries.”

In terms of his expectations for the tournament, Wright said: “Obviously, win it. The form wasn't there, but I believe I can win it.”

Humphries and darts sensation Littler are among the favourites to triumph at Ally Pally. Wright admitted that the pair are a source of motivation for him but boldly predicts that Humphries will eventually lose to the legendary Raymond van Barneveld.

“What drives me on? Luke Humphries and Luke Littler, that’s what drives me on because I know I can still compete with them,” Wright said. “What I’m doing in practice, I can compete with these guys and actually be better than them.

“I’m 54, coming up 55 in March, and Gary [Anderson] spurs me on as well. These little old guys can still do it.

“I believe Barney will beat Luke and then me and Barney, when I beat Wattimena, will have the best game you’ve ever seen on that stage. Me and Barney. So, Barney, get your finger out!”

Van Barneveld will face either Nick Kenny or Stowe Buntz in the second round on Saturday evening, and the victor of that tie will face Humphries in the next stage. The tournament bracket means that Wright and Van Barneveld could potentially meet in the fourth round. Meanwhile, Littler will face Ryan Meikle in the second round on Saturday night right after Van Barneveld plays.