Danny Noppert is first through to the Quarter-Finals of the 2023 Masters after seeing off Stephen Bunting 10-9 to begin Saturday's Last 16 ties in Milton Keynes.
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Noppert who is eighth seed and joins the other top eight players in the second round automatically produced a 95 average, four 180's and 58.8% on the outer ring in seeing off the in-form St Helens ace.
To begin the tie, Bunting had a superb start averaging 106 to lead 3-2 and at the second interval this was built on but he only ever stayed a few legs ahead at 6-4 up.
Noppert on return had a new lease of life and 'The Freeze' produced three legs on the spin to suddenly go 7-6 up and after a missed dart at double 16 for 132, he made it 8-7 with a 120 checkout. This was followed up with a 112 checkout for 9-8.
But with Bunting constantly staying in touch, he hit a 13-darter to send it all the way.
Noppert missed 170 on the bull to seal the deal but returned with Bunting unable to take out 146 and the Dutchman edged through.
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COMEBACK COMPLETE! 👏
UK Open champion Danny Noppert recovers from 6-2 down to deny Stephen Bunting in a thrilling last-leg decider, converting two ton-plus finishes along the way!
📺 bit.ly/23MastersLive | R2