Bullet hits back: Stephen Bunting takes down German debutant Kai Gotthardt surviving World Darts Championship scare

Stephen Bunting as the eighth seed this tournament comes in with new pressure as he looks even to bookend potential Premier League spots and not become another big name to fall and he nearly was at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship.

Bunting came from a set down to reel off seven legs on the spin and see off German debutant Kai Gotthardt to claim his place in Round Three 3-1. He would've feared the worst especially with Michael Smith's early loss.

Many of the top names have either struggled or surged through so far and Bunting thankfully for his own hopes takes his spot through.

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Bunting would've been fearing the worst early on. It was a dream start for the German as he wrapped up the opening set 3-1 with a 98.3 average, three 180's and 3/3 on the outer ring.

But Bunting nearly was 2-0 down in quick succession as his skin was very much saved. He watched Gotthardt miss three set darts at double eight in the decider before turning to level the contest. This started his turnaround.

Bunting raced through the third set without reply to fully turn the contest on its head in a real Flip Reverse. This continued with Bunting pinning 108 to go 1-0 up and he surged ahead from there. He broke with Gotthardt unable to even get a chance at 170 no mind hit it.

The race of the German was firmly run as Bunting pinned a 68 checkout to seal the win. He now returns after Christmas and it curtails the session early with Sandro Eric Sosing unfortunately having chest discomfort and having to withdraw.

This gave Ian White a bye through and now Mickey Mansell and Tomoya Goto will be the next match to kick off tonight's evening session just after 7pm.