Bunting defies nine-dart hero Wade in superb fightback to reach World Championship Last 16

Stephen Bunting will face Ryan Searle in the Last 16 of the 2020/21 PDC World Darts Championship after producing a superb fightback to defeat James Wade 4-2.

Wade went 2-0 up with Bunting outscoring him but not being able to hit the doubles but despite 'The Machine' pinning a nine-dart finish, he was outclassed by 'The Bullet' who now has a big chance alongside 'Heavy Metal' for a potential Quarter-Final spot.

To begin the tie, Bunting went straight for double 17 and he missed three to hold and Wade broke on his trusty double 10. A 66 saw him hold with Bunting not pressuring.

The opening set though turned with Bunting suddenly having the throw for the set but he missed two darts for the set, in typical fashion Wade returned for 62 and the 1-0 lead.

Wade went 2-0 up in the second set but was under pressure with Bunting pinning 121 to break and once more he was trying to force a decider but again Wade was up to it with two double 20’s for a 2-0 lead.

Wade miscounted thinking he wanted 76 instead of 96 so despite Bunting missing three at double four, he was back for double two.

A 64 checkout followed to make it 1-1. But Bunting broke with a 36 checkout to get a set on the board.

To begin the next set, Wade was still off the mark but Bunting made it 6/29 on doubles and failed to pounce and the former made it 1-0. He was averaging 66 for parts of the set though and saw his lead evaporate as Bunting made it 2-2.

Bunting led with a hold of throw on double 10 with Wade waiting on 56. The latter started his throw with a 180 as he looked for a resurgence and he pinned a superb nine-dart finish but Bunting led 3-2 and went one away from victory after initially being down 2-0.

Wade held with a 110 checkout with Bunting sat on 25 to break. But Bunting held with Wade’s inconsistent game continuing as he went two away from an unlikely win.

Wade left 40 from 122 as he had some breathing room for the first time to hold and go one away from forcing a deciding set.

Bunting missed 161 on the bull and had some pressure on the 25 with Wade down to 43. The latter wasn’t given an opportunity though as Bunting pinned double eight. A 180 didn’t do any good on his throw for Wade as Bunting pressured and left 48 which he pinned for the match.

2021 PDC World Darts Championship schedule

Tuesday December 29

Afternoon Session (12:00 GMT)

James Wade (88.15) 2-4 (93.29) Stephen Bunting (3-2, 3-1, 1-3, 1-3, 2-3, 2-3)

Daryl Gurney v Chris Dobey

Jason Lowe v Devon Petersen