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STEPHEN BUNTING'S dream debut in the partypoker.com World Grand Prix continued as he swept past Richie Burnett 3-1 to book his place in the semi-finals at Dublin's Citywest Hotel.

St Helens thrower Bunting, the reigning Lakeside Champion who switched over to the PDC circuit in January, followed up his wins over Ronnie Baxter and Peter Wright with another impressive display.

He won the quarter-final's opening set without reply and also led 2-0 in the second, before Burnett hit back with a 121 finish before taking out 71 and 80 to win the set and level.

Bunting, though, came from a leg down to win the third set 3-2 and also hit back from 2-1 behind in the fourth as finishes of double 16 and double eight kept him on track to challenge for the £100,000 first prize on Sunday night.

"I'm so happy with that win," said Bunting. "To be into the semi-finals of one of the majors in the PDC is a fantastic achievement for myself, especially in my first year.

"I hit my starting doubles a lot better than I have done all week and my doubles went in ok today. I was quite nervous because Richie's a fantastic player and an idol of mine.

"When I was a youngster growing up watching darts, he was one of the players I used to watch and admire, so to play him on the big stage in front of thousands of fans is a good thing for myself.

"I'm looking forward to the semi-finals now and I'm feeling confident."

The Lakeside Champion will lose his title as he reigning World Masters winner this weekend, but added: "Darryl Fitton picked the trophy up from my house on Tuesday so that's gone back, but it would be nice to replace it in my cabinet with this trophy.