Merk ‘stunned’ after beating ‘legend’ Wright at Worlds

German debutant Arno Merk said he was left “stunned” by his straight-set win over two-time champion Peter Wright at the PDC World Championship.

Wright, who triumphed at Alexandra Palace in 2020 and 2022, was well below par – winning just two legs in Tuesday’s second-round match and averaging below 80.

The Scot, 55, landed just two of his 15 darts at doubles and Merk, who ended with an average of 92.17 and hit nine of his 19 double attempts, took full advantage.

“I’m stunned, I can’t believe it,” Merk said on stage to Sky Sports after his win. “I just beat a legend and I’m so happy.”

Merk could face another former world champion, Dutchman Michael van Gerwen, in round three.

Van Gerwen will play William O’Connor from the Republic of Ireland later on Tuesday.

His victory was the only match in the day’s first session not to go to a deciding set.

Daryl Gurney, the 22nd seed, lost a close contest to England’s Callan Rydz.

World number 42 Rydz, who hit two 167 checkouts during the match, could next meet 11th seed Josh Rock – who partnered Gurney to World Cup glory for Northern Ireland in June.

The second round will be completed on Tuesday, with four remaining matches to be played from 19:00 GMT.

After a three-day break for Christmas, the tournament will resume on Saturday, 27 December, when round three is scheduled to get under way.

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