ST HELENS darter Stephen Bunting overcame world number seven Danny Noppert in a contest dominated by missed doubles to move through to the Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finals for the first time since 2014.
Bunting fired in three 180s in as many legs to race into an early 4-1 lead, before Noppert hit back with a stunning 136 checkout in leg six, after Bunting had opened the leg with seven perfect darts.
Despite that moment of magic, Noppert spurned 23 darts at double in a disastrous display on the outer ring, as Bunting followed up a 13-darter with a brilliant 121 on the bull to complete a 10-4 victory.
“Danny really struggled and I think I got caught up in his game to be honest,” reflected the former Lakeside Champion, who will renew his rivarly with Stowe Buntz in the last eight.
“I’m delighted with the result, but not with the performance. In the practice room I was hitting everything, and I felt really confident tonight, but it just didn’t happen.
“Stowe is a fantastic player. When I played him the first time I didn’t really know what to expect, but now I know how good he can be, and I can promise you that I won’t play like this again.”
Damon Heta ensured there will be a new name on the Eric Bristow Trophy in 2023, after producing a clinical display to dump out Michael van Gerwen at the Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts on Thursday.
Three-time champion Gerwyn Price was sent packing by a resurgent Gary Anderson on Wednesday, and Van Gerwen became the latest big name to crash out on a dramatic night of last 16 action in Wolverhampton.
2023 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts.
Thursday November 16.
Second Round x4.
Stowe Buntz 10-5 Andrew Gilding.
Stephen Bunting 10-4 Danny Noppert.
Damon Heta 10-7 Michael van Gerwen.
Rob Cross 10-8 Nathan Aspinall.
Friday November 17 (1900-2300 GMT).
Quarter-Finals x2.
James Wade v Josh Rock.
Luke Humphries v Gary Anderson.
Saturday November 18 (1900-2300 GMT).
Quarter-Finals x2.
Stowe Buntz v Stephen Bunting.
Damon Heta v Rob Cross.
Best of 31 legs.
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