Peter Wright’s confidence was wildly misplaced after he crashed out of the world championship on Tuesday. Arno Merk ensured the two-time champion will not be returning to Alexandra Palace after Christmas, winning 3-0 as the Scot averaged just 79.20.
Wright had claimed he was definitely going to win this tournament, but Merk, on debut, was full value for the win and it denied the possibility of a third-round match between Wright and Michael van Gerwen – a repeat of the 2020 final.
The pair were involved in an exchange of words last week after Wright said Van Gerwen’s eyesight had been faltering, with the Dutchman responding by suggesting the women he has been dating shows his eyes are just fine.
“I am stunned, I can’t believe it. I just beat a legend, I am so happy,” Merk said on stage. “I am early in my work, so I am really happy. It means everything. I am so proud to make my family proud. If I play like this I can be dangerous for anybody.”
Jermaine Wattimena won a final-set decider against Scott Williams, who came back from 2-0 down to draw level. Callan Rydz, last year’s quarter-finalist, won a classic against Daryl Gurney, also winning in the final set while Ryan Meikle kicked off the day with a fine comeback, recovering from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against Jonny Tata.