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Cazoo Masters 2024 | Day Two Preview and Order of Play

Chris Dobey commences Masters title defence as Stephen Bunting comeback stuns Ross Smith

Jamie Shaw in Winmau World Masters 03 Feb 2024

Dobey launches his title defence (Photo by Taylor Lanning/PDC)

Chris Dobey kicked off the defence of his Cazoo Masters title with victory over Andrew Gilding on Friday, as Stephen Bunting completed an inspired comeback in Milton Keynes.

The opening round saw eight ties take place at the Marshall Arena as reigning champion Dobey defied a sluggish start to topple UK Open champion Gilding.

Gilding threatened to cause an upset after moving into a 3-2 lead, although Dobey responded with back-to-back 14-darters, reeling off the last four legs without reply to progress.

“It’s great to be back, and it’s always nice to get off to a winning start,” admitted Dobey, who will now face five-time Masters winner Michael van Gerwen in a box office Second Round showdown.

“Andrew has his own style and you can’t knock him for that, but I struggled to find my own rhythm early on.

“Now I’m in the top 16 I want to push on. I want to push towards the top ten and top eight and win another couple of titles, and it would be great to start here this weekend.”

Bunting set up a clash with world number one Luke Humphries after producing a terrific comeback to deny Ross Smith in a deciding leg.

Former European Champion Smith landed a sensational 135 checkout on the bull to establish a 5-2 lead, but only for Bunting to reel off the last four legs in 15, 13, 15 and 14 darts to complete the fightback.

“I had to dig very deep there,” said Bunting. “I know how dangerous Ross is. He’s a really good friend of mine and I feel really sorry for him there, but I’m really happy with the win.

“The crowd were unbelievable again when I walked on to the stage. I wanted to put a great performance in and thankfully I got over the line.”

Two-time Masters runner-up Chisnall produced a blistering display as he averaged 109.3 to seal a 6-1 demolition of a helpless Martin Schindler.

Chisnall opened the contest with five perfect darts, and that set the tone for an imperious display, with the St Helens star kicking off each of the last two legs with back-to-back 180s.

“I don’t think the scoreline reflected the game,” said Chisnall. “Martin missed a few chances and let me in, and my doubles were really good tonight.

“Since the World Championship, I’ve been practising for three hours every day, and it’s starting to pay off now, so I’m happy.”

Damon Heta also posted a ton-topping average in his 6-2 victory over Gabriel Clemens, averaging 102 and pinning 75 per cent of his attempts at double to move through to a clash against sixth seed Rob Cross.

Heta seized control against the German number one with a run of three straight legs midway through the match, before firing in an 11-darter to begin his season in style.

Former champions Jonny Clayton and James Wade crashed out on an eventful opening night, succumbing to Krzysztof Ratajski and Dimitri Van den Bergh respectively.

Ratajski landed six of his eight attempts at double to complete a 6-3 success against Clayton, while Van den Bergh swept aside a below-par Wade to create a clash against Michael Smith.

However, 2022 champion Joe Cullen avoided the same fate, averaging 99.3 to win through a quick-fire tussle against Northern Ireland’s number one Josh Rock.

Trailing 4-3, Cullen levelled with a superb 12-darter, and a clinical 117 checkout in the penultimate leg catapulted him to an impressive 6-4 victory.

Dirk van Duijvenbode celebrated his first victory since November’s Grand Slam after outlasting Ryan Searle in the opening match of the tournament.

The Dutchman converted five of his first six attempts at double – including a superb 121 on the bull in leg seven – before crashing in a brace of maximums to win through a dramatic last-leg shoot-out.

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Cazoo Masters 2024 Day One Results

Friday February 2

First Round

Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-5 Ryan Searle
Jonny Clayton 3-6 Krzysztof Ratajski
Dave Chisnall 6-1 Martin Schindler
Damon Heta 6-2 Gabriel Clemens
Dimitri Van den Bergh 6-1 James Wade
Chris Dobey 6-3 Andrew Gilding
Joe Cullen 6-4 Josh Rock
Stephen Bunting 6-5 Ross Smith

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Chris Dobey commences Masters title defence as Stephen Bunting comeback stuns Ross Smith

Cazoo Masters 2024 Day One Results

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