Wright Always "in control" Against Plucky Williams

Peter Wright admits he always felt in “control” of his tight Bwin Grand Slam opener win against Jim Williams. The World No.2 needed a deciding leg victory to sneak over the line 5-4 against the plucky Welshman in Wolverhampton yesterday. The multi-coloured mohican Scot was nowhere near his best but got over the line for a crucial opening group win before facing Max Hopp today (Sunday). He said: “Although I never really got going, I always felt in control. Even at 4-4 I felt I was going to do enough to win. “There were bits and pieces that I can take out of it that I was quite happy with. Even when it went to four each I still didn’t think I was under pressure. Hence why I hit the 171 to set up the win. “Yes I wanted to go out and win five-nil and blow him away but it doesn’t happen sometimes. As long as you get the points and now I can focus on getting a five-nil tomorrow against Max!” Wright was once again a kaleidoscope of colours and revealed that his wife Jo will be doing another poignant headpaint design in honour of Remembrance Sunday for his next match. In truth he never got going against Williams but just had enough to pick up the points. He took the first leg but made a mess of the next as Williams took out 72 to level up the match. Snakebite took the third, however a missed dart at tops allowed the Welshman to once again square the tie at 2-2. The Scot then upped his game with a fine 130 kill to lead. But back came Williams to equalise and there’s was nothing between the pair. Wright edged towards victory by holding his throw with a 62 checkout but then squandered five match darts to allow Williams to make it 4-4. But Snakebite held his nerve, producing an excellent 171 in the decider followed by a double four to see-off his rival. Gerwyn Price comfortably beat Andrew Gilding 5-2 just 24 hours after getting married. The Welshman looking in terrific form. Glen Durrant made a superb start to the Slam, defeating Simon Whitlock 5-1 in their opening group match - the performance of the afternoon. Lakeside Champion Durrant, a quarter-finalist 12 months ago, will now play Gerwyn Price today (Sunday), following the Welshman's opening 5-2 win over Andrew Gilding in Group F. He said: “This is a great start for me. “I'm only thinking about getting out of the group, and if I can beat Gerwyn Price on Sunday then hopefully I'll get through to the last 16 and can kick on from there. “It was special here last year and it's great being here. I love this event.” By Phil Lanning (@lannomedia)