Peter Wright reaches world darts final

Peter Wright celebrates victory over Simon Whitlock to reach the PDA World Championship final. Picture: PA

SCOTLAND’S Peter Wright produced a stunning performance at the Alexandra Palace in London last night to beat Australian Simon Whitlock 6-2 and claim his place in the final of the the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship, where he will face Dutchman Michael van Gerwen – who crushed Adrian Lewis 6-0.

West Lothian-born Wright, 43, showed little sign of big game nerves as he started with scores of 180 and 139, on the way to an excellent 13-dart finish, against the throw. The No 16 seed then hit double six for a second leg running, to convert a 69 finish and comfortably take a two-leg advantage.

However, Whitlock held throw in just 13 darts, to get a leg on the board, but Wright responded in the next leg by hitting double ten to win the first set 3-1.

The second set was a repitition of the first as Wright held his throw on double eight after Whitlock missed double top for a 100 finish.

Whitlock then passed up a glorious opportunity with 81 after nine darts thrown, but failed with four attempts at doubles, and Wright punished his opponent by hitting double 16 for a 64 finish.

The Australian then landed double nine for an 87 finish to break throw and reduce the deficit to one, before drawing level at 2-2 by hitting double 18 with an accurate third dart for an 84 finish, with Wright waiting on 32.