Stephen Bunting Survives Huge Scare at World Matchplay Darts

Stephen Bunting defied a stirring comeback from Niels Zonneveld to defeat the Dutchman in a marathon last-leg decider at the World Matchplay Darts.

What happened?

On 18 July 2026, Stephen Bunting was forced to survive match darts before eventually getting over the line against Niels Zonneveld. Despite leading 8-5 and looking comfortable, Bunting was pushed to the limit by the Dutchman.

Why it matters for Stephen Bunting

The former Lakeside winner's victory sets up a second-round tie with Josh Rock, who made a winning start for the second year running in Blackpool. Bunting's resilience will be crucial in the coming days as he looks to progress in the tournament.

What comes next?

Bunting will face Josh Rock in the second round, while Luke Littler will take on Nathan Aspinall after 'The Asp' debuted his new shirt in style with a 10-5 win over Joe Cullen. The World Matchplay Darts continues until 26 July 2026.

Stephen Bunting's victory was a testament to his experience and skill on the oche. The 25-year-old from Warrington showed no signs of nerves as he forced a deciding leg and broke the throw to tee up a second-round tie with Josh Rock.

The Dutchman, Niels Zonneveld, pushed Bunting to the limit with a stirring comeback. Despite leading 8-5, Bunting was forced to survive match darts before eventually getting over the line. Triple Z missed three match darts to stun 'The Bullet' before Bunting fired in an incredible 118 checkout.

Bunting's victory sets up an intriguing second-round tie with Josh Rock, who made a winning start for the second year running in Blackpool. The Northern Irishman dispatched an out-of-sorts Luke Woodhouse 10-4 despite a sub-91 average, making the most of swathes of missed doubles from the Englishman.

The World Matchplay Darts continues until 26 July 2026, with Bunting and Rock set to face off in the second round. The stage is set for an exciting few days of darts action in Blackpool.

category: match_report