Wright still waiting for top title

Livingston’s Peter Wright once again reached the latter stages of a major tournament only to fall short of lifting a major televised title for the first time in his career as he was edged out in the semi-final of the Grand Slam of Darts.

The 46-year-old had been in impressive form on his march to the last four, but couldn’t get the better of Michael van Gerwen, who scored a 16-10 victory.

The Dutchman went on to lift the trophy and make it a phenomenal 24th tournament victory in 2016.

Wright, who sits third in the Order of Merit despite failing to win a major title, grabbed five victories during the tournament before being outclassed by van Gerwen in the semi-final.

He got the tournament off to a fine start with a commanding 5-1 win over Jeff Smith in the opening group match before following that up the next day with a stunning 107.36 average in his 5-0 victory against Simon Whitlock to ensure he finished top in Group C.

He completed the clean sweep in the group stage with a 5-3 triumph over Ted Evetts.

Having qualified in style for the knock-out he scored an easy 10-3 win over Darryl Fitton in the second round before accounting for legend Phil Taylor in the quarter-finals on Friday.

‘Snakebite’produced some of the best darts of his season as he managed six breaks of throw to seal a 16-10 victory.

However, once again he would be unable to get the better of van Gerwen as the Dutchman hit a stunning 111.17 average to beat the Scotsman.