Bunting first player through to Last 16 after exceptional display to defeat Clayton

Bunting hit a 95.7 average, five 180s and a highest checkout of 140 en route as he erased his second round performance to claim victory and move through at the PDC World Championship.

Bunting was exceptional to begin the tie smashing in a 140 checkout to close the first set out against Jonny Clayton 3-0.

He continued this into the next set but Clayton finally got off the mark with a 136 checkout for 1-1. It was a lot closer with Clayton making it 2-2 and sending it to a decider which Bunting ended up edging out in a deciding leg to double his lead.

Bunting made it seven out of nine legs as he took the first leg of the next set but Clayton added to his portfolio of high finishes smashing in a 136 checkout to break back and level. Despite that, it was all he wrote as Bunting claimed the third set 3-1 to go further ahead.

Clayton hit double 16 in a must win set but Bunting soon put it back in his favour at 2-1 up. A 28 checkout in the next leg which saw him adjust to hit double three saw him claim victory and become the first player through.

Click here for more information on the PDC World Darts Championship, which takes place at the Alexandra Palace between December 13 and January 1.

Jonny Clayton (91.49) 0-4 (95.70) Stephen Bunting
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