Stephen Bunting survives matchdart in fabulous comeback win over Ross Smith after Joe Cullen impresses in victory over Josh Rock as Masters first round comes to a close

Closing out the first round of the Masters on Friday evening, Joe Cullen and Stephen Bunting have become the final two players to secure themselves a return on Saturday in the last 16.

In what had been arguably the pick of the first round ties, former Masters champion, Joe Cullen was made an impressive start to his 2024 campaign, edging Josh Rock 6-4 with an average of 99.32 and three 180s.

The last first round tie in Milton Keynes saw two great mates going head to head as Stephen Bunting faced Ross Smith. Despite Bunting starting strongly with an 11-dart opening leg, 'The Bullet' was visibly struggling for much of the match as Smith raced 5-2 ahead with a brilliant 135 on the bull, averaging almost 15 points more per visit than his opponent.

Always a fighter though, Bunting refused to go down easy. As the former Lakeside champion came roaring back, Smith missed a dart at double 15 for a 6-3 win in leg 9 and a few moments later the match was sent to a decider with Bunting taking out a double-double 96. In the 11th and final leg, Smith had the throw but Bunting had the momentum and it was Bunting who took the win on double 20.