Van den Bergh and Bunting win thrilling clashes as opening group games continue in Wolverhampton

Van den Bergh faced Ryan Searle in what was a good game on paper between two in form players.
Searle started his debut with a 140 checkout and stayed with the current World Youth Champion until 4-2.
At that point Dimitri was 80% on the doubles and showing his clinical nature on the big stage.
Van den Bergh then went on to clinch the final leg and the points. For Searle despite the loss he will have confidence after a good first game in the Grand Slam.
In terms of the Bunting clash, the St Helens ace was clinical on his doubles and this made the difference between the pair.
This included a brilliant 170 checkout from the Bullet in leg 3.
It nearly went to a deciding leg and potentially should have done.
But ‘The Wall’ got distracted by a fly allowing the former Lakeside Champion a shot at 61 which he took for the win.
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Afternoon session schedule
Max Hopp (92.76) 5-3 (90.12) Josh Payne (E)
Gerwyn Price (90.24) 5-2 (84.49) Andrew Gilding (F)
Dimitri Van den Bergh (95.67) 5-3 (89.19) Ryan Searle (H)
Stephen Bunting (91) 5-3 (84.83) Martin Schindler (G)
15:00 Simon Whitlock v Glen Durrant (F)
15:30 Mensur Suljovic v Scott Mitchell (G)
16:00 Rob Cross v Mark McGeeney (H)
16:00 Peter Wright v Jim Williams (E)