Stephen Bunting delivered a masterclass performance at the Poland Darts Open, emphatically defeating Jermaine Wattimena 6-1 in their Last 16 clash. ‘The Bullet’ showcased incredible accuracy and scoring power, ending Wattimena’s promising run to the quarter-finals and advancing with a superb average of over 100.
Wattimena’s Journey to the Last 16
Dutch darting talent Jermaine Wattimena had a strong start to the Poland Darts Open, navigating his way through earlier rounds to reach the Last 16. His path included a convincing 6-4 victory over local Polish player Miroslaw Grudziecki. He then faced fellow Dutchman Danny Noppert in a tightly contested match, emerging victorious with a narrow 6-5 win to secure his spot in the knockout stage.
Bunting’s Path and the Anticipated Showdown
Awaiting Wattimena in the Last 16 was Premier League star Stephen Bunting, known as ‘The Bullet’. Bunting had also demonstrated his form in the previous round, dispatching Niels Zonneveld with a comfortable 6-4 scoreline, setting the stage for an exciting encounter with Wattimena.
Match Breakdown: Bunting’s Clinical Performance
The match began with both players holding their own throws. The first three legs went “with the darts,” meaning each player won the leg when it was their turn to start, often by throwing first. Wattimena even impressed with a 96-finish during this initial phase.
However, the momentum quickly shifted in Bunting’s favour:
- Leg 4: The First Break: With the score at 2-1, Bunting secured the crucial first “break of throw.” This means he won a leg that Wattimena had started, often a significant turning point in a darts match. He did so in impressive fashion with a 13-darter (finishing the leg in just 13 darts).
- Leg 5: Extending the Lead: ‘The Bullet’ followed up his break with a solid 17-darter on his own throw, widening his lead to 4-1.
- Leg 6: A Moment of Brilliance: Bunting produced arguably the best leg of the match, achieving a stunning 136-finish in just 12 darts. This exceptional checkout not only secured his second break of throw but also showcased his clinical finishing ability.
- Leg 7: Closing it Out: With a commanding 5-1 lead, Bunting comfortably held his own throw, hitting double 1 to seal a dominant 6-1 victory.
Key Match Statistics
The statistics clearly illustrate Bunting’s superior performance:
- Stephen Bunting:
- Average: 100.09
- Double Percentage: 50% (converting half of his attempts at doubles)
- Jermaine Wattimena:
- Average: 96.64
- Double Percentage: 33.3%
What’s Next for ‘The Bullet’?
Following his impressive display, Stephen Bunting advanced to the quarter-finals of the Poland Darts Open. He was set to face Luke Humphries, who had also secured his spot in the last eight with an identical 6-1 victory over Boris Krcmar earlier in the day, promising another high-stakes encounter.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
