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STEPHEN Bunting produced the best darts of his life to win a thrilling round four match against Ryan Searle at London's Alexandra Palace to earn a place in the William Hill World Darts quarter final.

The Windle-based thrower needed to dig so deep to win the deciding leg against the throw after a tense tussle that had gone to-and-fro.

He did just that to eventually win the match 4-3 - the second time this tournament Bunting has done that.

Bunting got off to a fine start, winning the first set 3-1 and then amking it a two-set lead.

However, he missed his chance to nail the third set, allowing Searle a foot-hold in the game.

All of a sudden the momentum was with Searle who took that and the next two sets.

It went down to the critical seventh set and it looked like it was over when Searle broke Bunting's throw in the the second leg.

But digging deep, Bunting rattled in a maximum and then checked out with a brilliant 84. He then levelled the set after starting off with a 180 and checking out with a superb 107.

And although Searle had the darts for the decider, Bunting came out on top with some smart work on the board and a clinical finish to progress into the last eight.

After the match Bunting said: "I knew it was a tough game, Ryan has been playing well - but I had the chance to go three sets up and bury it.

"But as soon as I missed he started hitting the big trebles and I thought I was in trouble.

"He fought to the end and I needed to produce the best darts I have ever produced in my life.

"I don't think I have ever been so nervous, from a game where I was cruising to one where it could have gone either way.

"To one where he was favourite at the end because he had the darts. 

"I will enjoy my day off - but I can't wait to get to the quarter finals."

Bunting will now play Krzysztof Ratajski in the quarter-final on New Year's Day.