Bunting battles past Anderson to reach last eight

After defeating Gary Anderson 12-10 at Winter Gardens in Blackpool, Stephen Bunting is now qualified for the World Matchplay quarter-finals.

Scotland’s Anderson had a topsy-turvy match in which Anderson held a 6-4 lead before Bunting racked up five more legs, including missing a nine-darter with the final throw.

The 40-year-old Englishman then made a match-missing error to complete a 101 checkout with 11-9 success, with 2018 champion Anderson holding the lead at 10-10 after the match-up.

Fourth seed Bunting then claimed the following two legs, including a 112 checkout, to prepare for a final-eight meeting with 2023 runner-up Jonny Clayton, who defeated Belgian Mike de Decker 11-8.

“I tried to put that at the back of my mind, but I simply couldn’t and, for whatever reason, I couldn’t find my best form.” I’m so happy that we won, but I need to go to bed because I’m so devastated.

James Wade beat Wessel Nijman of the Netherlands 11-5 while recording an average of 102.5 and checkouts of 126, 121, and 108.

“I didn’t give an outstanding performance. The young man didn’t play how he can, according to 2007 Olympian Wade, who was fortunate.

“Who cares about averages, who cares about doubles. We only care about the crowd laughing and having fun.