The 2022 PDC World Darts Championship was a spectacle of high drama, incredible comebacks, and unprecedented challenges. Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright emerged victorious, securing his second world title after a thrilling final against Michael Smith. This tournament, marking a return to full crowds post-COVID restrictions, was also marred by the virus, seeing top contenders withdraw. Yet, amidst the chaos, fans witnessed record-breaking nine-darters and unforgettable matches, solidifying Wright’s place among darts legends.
After a period of restrictions, the 2022 PDC William Hill World Championships at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace roared back to life, brimming with its characteristic carnival atmosphere. Fans, once again, filled the venue in a kaleidoscope of costumes, ready to celebrate the pinnacle of professional darts.
Peter Wright: A Champion Forged in Fire
In a tournament that truly had everything, it was the charismatic and colourful Peter Wright who ultimately claimed his second World Championship title. ‘Snakebite’ was undeniably the standout performer, cementing his status alongside Scottish legends Jocky Wilson and Gary Anderson as only the third Scot to win two World titles.
The Final: A Battle of Nerves and Skill
The final showdown against the talented Michael Smith was nothing short of epic. At 51, Wright faced a formidable challenge from ‘Bully Boy’, who was playing inspired darts. Wright found himself trailing 5-4 in sets and a crucial 2-0 down in legs, teetering on the brink of defeat. What followed was a masterclass in resilience and precision.
- Wright’s Dazzling Comeback: From this precarious position, Wright unleashed a ‘tungsten brilliance’, dropping only one more leg to snatch victory from Smith.
- Heartbreak for Smith: For Michael Smith, it was a devastating moment, seeing his childhood dream slip away once more. However, this revitalized version of Smith showed immense mental fortitude, hinting at a future World Championship title.
The Shadow of COVID-19
Despite the joyous return of the crowds, the tournament was not immune to the lingering threat of COVID-19. The ‘COVID curse’ cast a long shadow, with players facing daily anxiety over potential positive tests.
The virus unfortunately claimed several high-profile victims, significantly impacting the competition:
- Vincent van der Voort: Forced to withdraw, giving James Wade a walkover.
- Michael van Gerwen: The darts world was stunned when the news broke that ‘MvG’ had tested positive and had to pull out.
- Dave Chisnall: The following day, Chisnall also tested positive, leading to fears of a domino effect. Fortunately, he was the last, but the tournament had lost three excellent players.
Unforgettable Matches and Record-Breaking Moments
Beyond the final, the 2022 Championship delivered a plethora of memorable moments and historic achievements.
Clashes of Titans
- Price vs. Smith: Reigning champion Gerwyn Price, aiming to be the first Welshman to retain the crown, was sensationally defeated by Michael Smith in an absorbing quarter-final. ‘Bully Boy’ truly ‘melted the Iceman’.
- Smith vs. Clayton: Earlier, Smith had overcome another formidable opponent in Jonny Clayton in a captivating last-sixteen tie, setting the stage for his clash with Price.
A Flurry of Nine-Darters
The Ally Pally crowd were treated to a record-breaking three nine-darters, sending waves of euphoria through the audience:
- Willie Borland: The young Scot made history by becoming the first player in a World Championship to win a match with a perfect leg at the climax of his thrilling encounter against Bradley Brooks.
- Darius Labanauskas: Achieved the rare feat, adding to the tournament’s excitement.
- Gerwyn Price: The ‘Iceman’ also hit a perfect leg, demonstrating his class despite his eventual exit.
A Family Affair: The Smiths Make History
Australia’s Raymond Smith and his son Ty etched their names into the record books as the first father and son duo to compete in the same PDC World Championships. While neither was expected to make a deep run, Raymond defied expectations, embarking on a fairytale journey by overcoming Jamie Hughes, Devon Petersen, and Florian Hempel. His remarkable run was eventually halted by the experienced Mervyn King in a closely contested last-sixteen match.
Match of the Tournament Contenders
While many matches stood out, the semi-final clash between two Scottish legends was a particular highlight:
- Gary Anderson vs. Peter Wright: This all-Scottish battle was a true classic. Anderson and Wright stood toe-to-toe, delivering a relentless display of darts with astronomical averages and a world record-breaking twenty-four maximums from Wright. It was a contest for the ages between two old rivals, compatriots, and close friends, a testament to the enduring spirit of the sport.
Ultimately, the night, and indeed the entire tournament, belonged to Peter Wright. Cherishing his crowning moment on stage alongside his proud wife Jo, he proved that his pre-tournament prediction of victory was not just bravado, but a genuine belief in his own formidable talent.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
