Bunting comeback denies Borland in Winmau World Masters opener as O’Connor stuns Cross
Stephen Bunting battled back from two sets down to deny Willie Borland in a decider on the opening night of the Winmau World Masters, as William O’Connor dispatched Rob Cross.
The revamped Winmau World Masters commenced with eight first round ties on a gripping night of action in Milton Keynes, as defending champion Bunting defied a blistering start from Borland to progress in a five-set thriller.
Borland, who came through Wednesday’s Preliminary Rounds, drew first blood with a 120 checkout, before producing checkouts of 88 and 170 to double his lead in sets and leave Bunting on the brink of an early exit.
Bunting, though, came back off the canvas to keep his title defence alive, winning six of the last eight legs to set up a showdown with Peter Wright on Saturday.
“I felt very nervous tonight. I put myself under so much pressure,” admitted Bunting.
“I know how good Willie is, but at the same time I know how good I can be, and I feel like I’m really into the tournament now.
“Even though I didn’t feel comfortable I was still able to get over the line and that’s a massive positive for me.”
Former Masters champion Wright came through a five-set thriller against qualifier Kevin Doets, averaging 101.3 in the process.
Doets led 1-0 and 2-1 in sets, though Wright displayed his trademark resilience to complete the turnaround, firing in a 13-dart break on tops to triumph in a last-leg shoot-out.
“I’m enjoying darts now. I have got a new buzz. I don’t know what it is, but I feel good and think that I can only get better,” declared Wright.
“I feel it’s up to me how good I can get, as long as I don’t look in the mirror because when it comes to March, I am 55.
“Inside I feel like I am 21, so if I feel like that playing darts, then everyone is in trouble!”
Former World Champions Rob Cross and Michael Smith suffered early exits at Arena MK, succumbing 3-1 to O’Connor and Danny Noppert – who will now lock horns in the Last 16.
O’Connor launched a terrific comeback to stun fourth seed Cross, winning six of the last seven legs and sealing victory with a magnificent 151 checkout.
Noppert, meanwhile, punished crucial missed chances from Smith to prevail in the evening’s finale, pinning seven of his 11 attempts at double to cap off a clinical display.
Luke Humphries kicked off his campaign with a 3-1 success over 2022 Masters champion Joe Cullen.
The world number one produced an accomplished display to fend off the former Premier League runner-up, despite squandering three match darts for a straight-sets victory.
“I’m really happy with the way I bounced back after missing those three match darts,” reflected Humphries, who will now face Josh Rock in Round Two.
“The first set was always going to be crucial, particularly in this short format. Joe is a very tough player to beat and he showed a lot of grit and determination there.
“I’m not worried about laying down markers or sending out messages. I’m just here to enjoy myself and win as much as I can.”
Littler over 48 hours on from his wedding day, Rock ran out a 3-1 winner over Jermaine Wattimena, averaging 98 and landing five 180s along the way.
Gerwyn Price will go head-to-head with Australian number one Damon Heta in Saturday’s second round, after dispatching Germany’s Florian Hempel in straight sets.
Price kicked off the contest with a 127 checkout on the bull, and that set the tone for a dominant display which saw the Welshman relinquish just one leg on his way to victory.
Heta booked his place in the Last 16 with a 3-1 victory over Ross Smith, punishing 17 missed darts at double from the former European Champion to enjoy a winning start to the season.
Winmau World Masters 2025 Day One Results
Thursday January 30
First Round
Josh Rock 3-1 Jermaine Wattimena
Damon Heta 3-1 Ross Smith
Rob Cross 1-3 William O’Connor
Gerwyn Price 3-0 Florian Hempel
Peter Wright 3-2 Kevin Doets
Luke Humphries 3-1 Joe Cullen
Stephen Bunting 3-2 William Borland
Danny Noppert 3-1 Michael Smith
