Overview
- Peter Wright was swept 3-0 by World Championship debutant Arno Merk, winning only two legs with a 79.20 average, two 180s and 13.33% on doubles.
- Michael van Gerwen advanced with a 3-1 win over William O’Connor, posting a 100-plus average and roughly 63% checkout success.
- Van Gerwen said Wright has been playing poorly and should retire, a pointed response following Wright’s earlier comments about the Dutchman’s eyesight.
- Merk will face van Gerwen in the third round on December 28 after the tournament’s Christmas break, with the format extending to best of seven sets.
- Pundits Gary Anderson and Wayne Mardle urged against knee‑jerk retirement calls as Wright, 55, endures a dip that includes no 2025 titles and missed marquee selections.