Toiling darts hero Peter Wright warned age is merciless as rival doubts Snakebite will beat toughest rival
Scotland's two-time World Champion has slipped down the rankings and his ex-star doesn't see a return to the top
Peter Wright has been warned age is merciless and his sustained days at the highest level are over.
The two-time champion of the world is back in action this weekend at the World Series of Darts Finals and faces countryman Cameron Menzies in a Saturday first-round tie.
Wright has struggled for form in 2025 and has slipped down the rankings to the No.16 spot.
Snakebite is trying everything to get back amongst the elite on a regular basis and has shed weight to aid his bid.
However, former PDC star turned analyst Vincent van der Voort doesn’t envisage a way back for the Scotsman at the age of 55.
Van der Voort said: “I don’t see him returning to top level every week. Maybe he’ll win another title, but top five in the world? No, I don’t believe that anymore. Age is a merciless opponent.”
Wright remains convinced he can get back in amongst it and made his feelings clear in the wake of an emotional win at last weekend’s Czech Darts Open.
The Tartan star was touched by the fervent backing he received in Prague when overcoming Benjamin Pratnemer.
Wright said: “I’m trying to boost myself and play like old Snakebite, but I’m coming back, I lost a bit of weight and I’m going to be better. It’s nice to know there’s so many Snakebite fans still around and I’ll be back, don’t you worry.”
Nonetheless, there are other doubters who share the opinion of van der Voort with former Premier League champ Glen Durrant raising the question in the wake of a dismal showing from the Livingston-born ace at the recent Flanders Open.
He said: “Peter Wright, I think he knows deep down his game is just not there right now. We looked at his ProTour stuff and I knew he was coming here where maybe the big stage would motivate him.
“But this has been a disappointment. He is scoring nowhere near like he can do. It’s just unlike Peter Wright.
“I’ve often admired him where he’s believed: I will win a tournament this year. But is there a realisation there that it will and it won’t?”
PDC commentator Dan Dawson has revealed he spoke with Wright about his incredible fitness transformation.
He said: “The old Peter Wright is one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen. He reckons he’s shifted three stone. He says he’s done it by having just one meal a day.
“But he also admits he feels like he’s lost some of the power in his throw. Physically and mentally, though, he says he feels amazing, so much better. We’ve already seen what losing weight did for Luke Humphries. He became a far better player.
“Humphries admits that getting fitter was the main reason why he turned into a Euro Tour monster and then a dominant world champion, but Peter says he’s just lost a little bit of power and the darts aren’t landing the way he wants.”