The Grinch does not flinch: Peter Wright makes winning start to darts title defence

Irish teenager Keane Barry was knocked out on the first night of action

Peter Wright came dressed as the Grinch for his opening match of the World Championships. Picture: Kieran Cleeves/PA

Peter Wright came dressed as the Grinch and stole Steve West’s Alexandra Palace dream as his World Championship defence got off to a winning start.

The Scot had vowed to put on a show in what will be the only day of the sport’s flagship tournament that is played in front of a crowd and he lived up to his word in traditionally eccentric style.