Van Barneveld came from 5-1 down to force a decider after not doing a lot wrong in the early stages but a 125 checkout in the decider sealed it for 'The Bullet'.
To start the tie, a 142 checkout saw Bunting head 2-0 up with a break as he really took the game to the returning Dutch legend.
He missed double 11 for a 124 but returned as Barney was only given a small opportunity in 164 and went 3-0 up.
Van Barneveld went for bull on the 167 but after missing three at double 17, he was nearly made to pay by Bunting who missed a dart at 106.
But Barney was back for the same target again pinning it last dart in hand to go 3-1 down.
A stunning 135 set up from Bunting left him on double 16 which he pinned to go 4-1 up and he followed it up with a 102 checkout to break again and go 5-1 up.
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But a break back from Barney allowed him a catalyst as he went 5-3 behind before closing the gap even further as he looked to force a decider.
He hit an 86 checkout to send it all the way at 5-5 albeit with Bunting having the throw.
'The Bullet' though took the game away with a stunning 125 checkout to win edge through.
This means that Van Barneveld will not go any further today but will return for three more tournaments this week in Bolton before the UK Open next weekend.
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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𝗕𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗦 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗬
Van Barneveld's return to professional darts ends in defeat as Stephen Bunting produces an excellent 12-darter to clinch the deciding leg!
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