Bunting edges Anderson in a tiebreak on Day Four of the 2025 World Matchplay
Bunting edges Anderson in a tiebreak on Day Four of the 2025 World Matchplay
Day Four of this year’s Betfred World Matchplay features four second-round ties at the Winter Gardens, with the tie of the evening coming between former Masters champion Stephen Bunting and former Matchplay champion Gary Anderson.
Dutch Derby
The first game of the evening saw a battle between the Dutch representatives from the 2025 World Cup of Darts, as Gian van Veen faced Danny Noppert. It was Gian’s first-ever Last 16 at the World Matchplay, after dumping out reigning champion Luke Humphries in his opener.
It was The Freeze who took opening two legs, but van Veen managed to reel off seven consecutive legs, en route to leading 7-3 at the final break. The 2024 World Youth Champion eventually claimed victory 11-5, hitting a high finish of 150 and an average of 94.94.
Wonderful from Wade
James Wade hit his highest ever average at the World Matchplay in Round One, averaging just north of 104 and he was looking to replicate that level against Wessel Nijman.
It was an absolute finishing masterclass from Wade in Blackpool, hitting high finishes of 108, 121, and 126 enroute to a stellar 11-5 win over the Matchplay debutant. A checkout percentage of 65% and an average of 102.53 will send shockwaves amongst the contenders for the title.
Tense Tiebreak
Despite the big buildup, neither one of Stephen Bunting or Gary Anderson were at the races at the Winter Gardens. It was a very tense and close game, with neither playing having the quality to gain a few legs advantage until late on.
It was Stephen Bunting who managed to grab a strong hold of the match, turning a deficit of 4-6, to a 9-6 lead. The Bullet also went eight darts into the perfect leg, missing Double 12 for the first 2025 World Matchplay nine-darter.
The end of the game saw the first tiebreak of this year’s tournament, where it was the World Number 4 who progressed to the Quarter-Finals, beating Anderson 12-10.
Go Jonny Go
Elsewhere, in the final game of the evening, 2023 Matchplay finalist Jonny Clayton dumped out reigning World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker 11-8. The Ferret averaged 93.41 and hit 11/30 pf his darts at double. That win sets up a mouthwatering matchup against Stephen Bunting in the last 8.
2025 Betfred World Matchplay
Tuesday July 22 (1900 BST)
Second Round x4
Gian van Veen 11-5 Danny Noppert
Wessel Nijman 5-11 James Wade
Stephen Bunting 12-10 Gary Anderson
Jonny Clayton 11-8 Mike De Decker
Wednesday July 23 (1900 BST)
Second Round x4
Andrew Gilding v Dirk van Duijvenbode
Chris Dobey v Gerwyn Price
Luke Littler v Jermaine Wattimena
Michael van Gerwen v Josh Rock
Stay tuned to Online Darts for full coverage, results, and post-match reaction throughout the 2025 World Matchplay.
