Peter Wright suffrered a wardobe malfunction moments before his first round match at the 2026 World Darts Championship. Snakebite needed help removing his gloves and had to ask opponent Noa-Lynn van Leuven for help.

The Scot had turned up in a Grinch-themed outfit, but his long, wispy gloves proved difficult to remove. Eventually, thanks to van Leuven’s assistance, he managed to get them off and the match could begin. Two-time world champion Wright, who has a history of vivid outfits and hairstyles, has underwhelmed at Alexandra Palace since his last triumph in 2022. The 55-year-old was knocked out at the quarter-final stage by Stephen Bunting last year after failing to progress beyond the third round in 2024 and 2023.

However, he made a bright start to his 2026 campaign with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Van Leuven, who was making her second appearance at the World Darts Championship. She was beaten in the first round at last year’s tournament by fellow Netherlands national Kevin Doets.

The 29-year-old is the first openly trans player to compete in the event – and is one of five female-identifying competitiors, alongside Beau Greaves, Fallon Sherrock, Lisa Asthon and Gemma Hayter.

Van Leuven’s clash with Wright was the fourth and final match of the afternoon session on Monday. Earlier in the day, Brendan Dolan beat Tavis Dudeney, Mensur Suljovic toppled David Cameron (no, not that David Cameron) and Charlie Manby edged past Cameron Menzies.

Menzies’ frustration boiled over after the defeat, with the Scot remarkably throwing punches at the water table. It comes a year after he broke down in tears during his first round loss at the 2025 event.

Victory sees Wright book a second round clash against Arno Merk on December 23. After that he could face three-time winner Michael van Gerwen in the third round if both men win their opening two matches.

After beating Van Leuven, Wright admitted he hadn’t played well, but promised to get better as the tournament progresses. “I’ll be okay next round,” he said.