Stowe Buntz dominates to win the 2023 CDC Continental Cup
Stowe Buntz dominates to win the 2023 CDC Continental Cup
Stowe Buntz was crowned the 2023 CDC Continental Cup on Saturday night, securing his spot in the Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton next month.
Buntz, who will also compete in the Paddy Power World Darts Championship in December, defeated Larry Butler, Jacob Taylor, and Jason Brandon on a busy day of action in New York City.
Buntz began his challenge with a sensational performance in Friday’s first round, averaging 104.14 in a 5-2 triumph over Canada’s Jake Macmillan, and he continued his outstanding form on Finals Day to collect the spoils.
The colourful American breezed past 1994 World Matchplay champion Butler in the last eight before rallying from 2-1 down to defeat Taylor in the semi-finals.
This set up a meeting with Tennessee’s Brandon, who fell 3-0 behind in Saturday’s showpiece after squandering numerous opportunities on the outside ring.
Brandon replied admirably, opening his account with a 16-dart break before following up a 90 checkout in leg five with a 12-darter to tie the game at three.
Buntz promptly responded with a 14-dart hold in leg eight to make it 5-3, and Brandon was unable to make any further inroads against throw, as Buntz scored a clinical 82 kill to cap an 8-6 victory.
The mysterious American, who won three CDC ProTour titles in 2023, will now make his televised debut in the Grand Slam of Darts, which runs from November 11 to November 19.
Buntz has also confirmed his entry into the 2024 US Darts Masters as well as the North American Championship, which returns to Madison Square Garden next year.
Brandon, who appeared in the 2023 edition, almost missed out on the title after defeating defending champion Alex Spellman and Canadian veteran David Cameron to earn a position in Saturday’s decider.
Cameron staged an incredible comeback from 3-1 down to defeat Danny Lauby in the quarter-finals, scoring an 11-darter and finishes of 118 and 101 on route to a deciding-leg triumph.
Cameron’s compatriot Taylor defeated a below-par Leonard Gates 6-1 in the second quarter-final match, landing 115 and 94 checkouts before sealing victory with back-to-back 14-darters.
2023 CDC Continental Cup
Saturday October 21
Quarter-Finals
Jason Brandon 6-5 Alex Spellman
David Cameron 6-5 Danny Lauby
Stowe Buntz 6-2 Larry Butler
Jacob Taylor 6-1 Leonard Gates
Semi-Finals
Jason Brandon 7-4 David Cameron
Stowe Buntz 7-2 Jacob Taylor
Final
Stowe Buntz 8-6 Jason Brandon
