Hildesheim, Oct 19 — Reigning champ Peter “Snakebite” Wright ground past compatriot Cameron Menzies 6–4 to book a German Darts Championship quarter-final spot, admitting the display was “nervy” but insisting his fitness overhaul has him feeling “like I’m 21” again.
The match
- Result: Wright 6–4 Menzies (Last 16)
- Vibe: Not vintage Snakebite, but experienced, composed, clutch in the key legs.
- Next up: Dirk van Duijvenbode tonight in the last eight.
Wright acknowledged he hasn’t always shown his best against Menzies but said this one was “decent in parts” as he leaned on big-match nous to close it out.
Fitness & form
The two-time world champion says recent weight loss has changed how he feels on the oche. He’s even added a few pounds back after briefly feeling short of strength, but claims his current training levels are the best of his career — and insists he hasn’t “reached his peak in training yet.”
Wright: “I may be 55, but I still feel like I’m 21 in this body.”
Why Hildesheim matters
Hildesheim is special territory for Snakebite — titles in 2017 and 2024 — and, with the German Darts Championship set to leave the European Tour calendar next year, he’s determined to sign it off in style: “I really want to win the title here again.”
Respect for Menzies & Scottish darts
Wright praised Menzies’ rise, calling him “very important for Scottish darts,” adding that with he and Gary Anderson (54) as the elder statesmen, fresh talent is needed to carry the torch — and Menzies is one of those players.
What’s next (tonight)
- Quarter-final: Peter Wright vs Dirk van Duijvenbode
- Storyline: Wright chasing a Hildesheim three-peat feel, van Duijvenbode brings pace and scoring power. Experience vs intensity.
TRNDR take: The scoring wasn’t explosive, but the body language and closing told the story. If Wright’s practice level shows up on stage, he’s live to defend the crown. If not, he’ll need every ounce of Hildesheim magic to tame Aubergenius.
