Bunting edges out Price in sudden death World Matchplay thriller

Bunting came from 6-3 down to set up a thrilling conclusion against 'The Iceman' who like Aspinall in the first game was seen as a real contender for the title.

Either player could have claimed the win in the end; but it was 'The Bullet' who surged through to a potential tie against Ian White or Joe Cullen.

To begin the tie, Price took a commanding 3-0 lead to begin the contest; he began to look ominous before the break in the early going. Bunting looked like he was going to get back into it but only claimed one leg back with 'The Iceman' continuing to look commanding at the interval 4-1.

'The Bullet' though did get back into it went they returned despite being poor at times on the doubles going 5-3 behind; but Price just kept him at arms length. Bunting despite allowing Price to go two clear again due to missed doubles went into the second interval having had a brilliant mini session at 6-4 behind.

He went 6-5 behind to break back; but a strange occurrence happened where there were five consecutive breaks of throw and Bunting restored parity at 8-8 to make a thrilling conclusion.

Price missed a match dart through a 140 checkout and as a result it went to overtime at 9-9. Bunting missed a chance to break in the following leg and have the throw to win it. 'The Iceman' then came back to go 10-9 ahead.

It was back level again and Price continued to just edged in front until 11-11. Bunting produced a brilliant bull finish to break throw; as a result he moved to within one of victory with him having the throw in the following leg.

Four match darts though went begging for Bunting and Price let out a roar as the sudden death shootout was confirmed which the Welshman would have the throw in. Both players though had a brilliant leg; when Price missed darts to win, Bunting made no mistake claiming a brilliant victory.

Click here for more information on this year's World Matchplay.

First Round
Nathan Aspinall (102.96) 5-10 (100.55) Mervyn King
Gerwyn Price (92.02) 12-13 (95.11) Stephen Bunting
21:10 Gary Anderson v Danny Noppert
22:10 Rob Cross v Chris Dobey

https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/1152673578313277440