Bunting and Smith produce superb displays to dump out Gurney and Cullen at World Grand Prix

Stephen Bunting and Ross Smith are successfully through to the second round at the World Grand Prix after both producing superb displays to continue the opening night in Leicester.

Bunting saw off 2017 champion, Daryl Gurney in straight sets hitting a 99 average and three ton-plus finishes making up for not playing in last year's event due to testing positive for Covid-19.

To begin the tie, Bunting had to head around the board on a 52 checkout and the 2017 champion hit double four to surge into the lead.

Gurney missed a 100 checkout on double 10 but Bunting missed 85 on the bull for a 2-1 lead.

Again though the former allowed Bunting a chance and he broke to make it 2-1 and go one away from the set.

A third 180 saw Bunting on his way to the first set which he claimed with a stunning 100 checkout with a 14-darter.

A 104 checkout saw Bunting surge into the lead to begin the second set. Gurney though stopped a small rot of sorts only for Bunting to go 2-1 up with a 113 checkout.

Bunting got away first time and produced a 120 to start as he looked to take it out of Gurney's hands. He followed that with his fourth 180 and finished it with double 12.

While Smith punished an out of sorts Joe Cullen to claim a straight sets victory also on his World Grand Prix debut as the first time winner this year produced when it mattered.

He will now face off against Dave Chisnall or Mensur Suljovic in the second round and will fancy his chances of a run this week.

It was a nightmare start from Cullen who lost the opening set 3-0 averaging 66. he began the second by claiming the opening leg to stop the rot.

Smith missed two at double 18 for a 96 checkout but Cullen missed 109 which allowd the former back for double nine and a 1-1 lead.

A 110 checkout saw Smith break and go one away. He pinned a 180 to leave double eight which he pinned to surge through.