Stephen Bunting sets record straight over comments on darts rival Gary Anderson
Thrilled Stephen Bunting reckons he toppled a legend after dumping Gary Anderson out of the Betfred World Matchplay.
The Bullet came through a cracking clash with the Scottish darts hero as he moved into the last-eight with a knife-edge 12-10 triumph.
Bunting's mid-match surge coupled with slips by Anderson allowed the Scouser to progress and the enormity of the win hit home immediately.
He said: 'I was so, so nervous playing a legend of the sport in Gary Anderson on this stage. He's won this title before and I tried to put that to the back of my mind, but during the game I just couldn't.
"I just couldn't find my best form. I'm so happy with the win, but I need to get to bed. I feel shattered.
'Listen, I've got massive respect for Gary. There was a lot in the media yesterday that I said he wasn't as good as what he is. It wasn't meant in that terms.
"He doesn't play as many tournaments as he did, but he's a quality operator. He's one of the best players to ever grace the stages wherever we play and I've got nothing but respect for Gary. What a win in my career.'
It was an enthralling match with the Scotsman initially grabbing the initiative winning both of the first two sessions by the odd leg to lead 6-4 at the midway point.
However, Anderson blew glorious opportunities at the beginning of the third session to extend his lead and, suddenly, stared down the barrel as the Scouser bagged five straight legs to surge into control.
The former champion dug deep to level affairs at 10-10 and take the match into the tie-break scenario of having to be won by two clear legs. Bunting had the advantage of the darts in the 21st leg and his hold allowed him the chance to kick on and seal it which he duly did in the next leg.
Anderson missed two doubles for 11-11 and Bunting punished the Scot with a 112 finish to book his ticket into the next stage. Bunting added: 'I feel great. I feel like I'm playing the best darts of my life. I'm enjoying being in Blackpool. I love being here. Ever since I was a young kid, this was a holiday destination for me. Just to be here, the fans have been incredible. Hopefully they can keep being incredible and we can go all the way.'
James Wade maintained his hot form with a brilliant display to hammer Wessel Nijman and storm into the last eight. The Machine has reacked six Matchplay finals in the past and is showing the form to make it seven with high scoring a solid finishing. Wade was miles too good for the Dutch kid as he swept to an 11-5 win with a trio of ton-plus finishes in the middle of the match crucial to his progress.
Gian Van Veen went through to the next round by the same scoreline as he moved through from the evening's first game. The Dutch youngster was too good for his World Cup team-mate Danny Noppert and never looked in danger as he charged into the quarter finals.
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