'They weren't playing the old Snakebite' - Suffolk's Peter Wright wins world darts title

Suffolk's Peter Wright says his opponents "weren't playing the old snakebite" as he won his first darts world title.

The player from Mendham defied the odds by beating former champion Michael Van Gerwen 7-3 at Alexandra Palace.

'Snakebite' Wright won three successive sets to leave his illustrious opponent floundering, delivering the goods after suffering 59 career defeats - including a number of major televised finals - against Van Gerwen and claiming a £500,000 top prize.

Speaking after the New Year's Day match, he said he had come into the tournament with a different mindset - taking the game more seriously and having more belief in himself.

Peter 'Snakebite' Wright during his post-match press conference Credit: Press Association

The 49-year-old said he had previously been an "up and down" player, but said he had learned from his mistakes and took a more professional approach.

Peter Wright was pleased with the win! Credit: Press Association

Wright, who lives in Suffolk with his wife Jo, said he had now set his sights on a new goal - becoming world number one.

Despite being beaten in the final, Dutchman Van Gerwen still leads the world rankings.

Wright, who described Van Gerwen as "the man everyone wants to beat", said he was now focused on taking that top spot from his friend.

He will need to win the PDC championship again next year to achieve that.