Announcements

ST HELENS thrower Stephen Bunting raced through to the last 16 of the William Hill World Darts Championship for the first time in five years by racing past Jonny Clayton 4-0 this afternoon.

Bunting, the 17th seed, secured the opening set without reply courtesy of a 140 finish and defied a 136 checkout and a 14-darter from the 16th-seed Welshman to edge the second 3-2.

Clayton took out a 138 combination in the third, which Bunting won 3-1 before he completed the win by edging set four in the fifth leg.

Fourth-round matches take place next Friday and Saturday.

Fellow St Helens thrower Dave Chisnall will aim to join Bunting in the last 16 when he faces Dutchman Jeffrey De Zwaan at Alexandra Palace on Monday night.