Peter Wright makes ‘Snakebite’ admission after changing walk-on song and ditching iconic look

Much like a snake shedding its skin, Peter Wright is ready to do away with his identity of old.

Long nicknamed ‘Snakebite’, Wright revealed he wants to simply be known as himself in the final chapter of his career.

“Yeah, I would like that,” Wright said following a 6-3 win over Joe Cullen in the first round of this year’s Players Championship Finals.

“But it would disappoint my fans. And the kids, especially.

“So maybe just show them a bit of understanding… and we’ll see.”

At this year’s Players Championship Finals, Wright opted not to do his hair in the flamboyant styles fans had become accustomed to seeing him sport over the years.

Wright would also traditionally add some colour to the tattoo of a snake he has on the side of his head, but that too was left untouched in Minehead.

The distinct lack of bold hairstyles wasn’t the only notable change made by Wright at the tournament.

Why did Peter Wright change his walk-on music in Minehead?

As he made his way to the oche, Wright walked out to Chumbawamba’s hit track ‘Tubthumping’.

Although the name and artist may not be the most memorable, the song remains iconic due to the lyrics: “I get knocked down but I get up again, you’re never gonna keep me down.”

It was a major change from Wright given he is known to walk out to Pitbull’s ‘Don’t Stop the Party’.

But Wright revealed the change in music was a deliberate one.

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“Yeah, it’s because people keep knocking me down,” Wright said.

“I’ll get up again.”

Given the nature of the lyrics, Wright added the new song was a targeted message to ‘all them doubters out there’.

How has Peter Wright performed in recent years?

Some of Wright’s detractors will point to a bleak run of a solitary major won since his last world championship as justification for their critiques.

Yet Wright remains adamant he has plenty left to give at 55 years of age and even believes a third world title is in the near future.

“I love proving all the people behind the scenes wrong,” Wright said.

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“A lot of people said I should give up. Maybe they’re right.

“But inside here, I ain’t finished yet. When that says you’re finished, there’s a million pounds for the world champion.

“I’m going to be a three-time world champion. Whether I win the million this year or next year, I’ll definitely win it.”

Wright will begin his quest for a third world title with a first round clash against qualifier Noa-Lynn van Leuven.