Peter Wright wins his first World Matchplay title by thrashing Dimitri Van Den Bergh

Peter Wright claimed his first World Matchplay title and the £150,000 first prize by thrashing defending champion Dimitri Van Den Bergh 18-9.

The Scot, world champion in 2020, went one higher than his earlier look within the match ultimate 4 years in the past with a dominant show on the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Wright had overcome Michael Van Gerwen on Saturday however in Van Den Bergh he confronted a person who had been his lodger final yr when journey restrictions had been imposed on the top of the coronavirus lockdown.

Peter Wright claimed his first World Matchplay title by beating Dimitri Van Den Bergh

However, there was no sentiment from the world quantity two who was by no means behind having taken a 3-0 lead.

His Belgian opponent received the rating again to 4-2 however that was the narrowest the hole was lowered to as Wright reeled off the following 4 legs in 14, 11, 14 and 12 darts to ascertain a commanding place.

When Van Den Bergh did not convert a double-top end with three darts after Wright had left the door ajar at 15-8 he appeared damaged having squandered back-to-back 180s in two successive legs.

Wright coolly closed out victory, ending with a mean of 105.9 even when Van Den Bergh outscored him 11 to 10 on the 180 rely, and devoted the victory to his tearful spouse, who watched from the aspect of the stage having had spinal surgical procedure final Thursday.

‘This is for Jo,’ he advised Sky Sports.

‘To beat final yr’s matchplay champion is particular. He proved to the world how he can play. He missed lots of doubles and let me in.

‘Dimitri labored actual exhausting final yr when he was spherical mine, he was on the board from 9 o’clock to 11 o’clock each evening and that’s the reason he got here and gained it.’

Van Den Bergh was magnanimous in defeat, saying: ‘My coronary heart is in ache however immediately Peter Wright is a deserved winner.’