Stephen Bunting got here from behind to beat Kai Gotthardt 3-1 and ebook his place within the third spherical of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship.
Englishman Bunting, ranked eighth on the earth, dropped the primary set and virtually went 2-0 down within the match earlier than staging a formidable restoration.
Match debutant Gotthardt missed three darts at double eight to win the second set, permitting Bunting to take out double 10 to stage the match earlier than powering away to victory by successful the third and fourth units with out shedding a leg.
Victory for “The Bullet” units up a final 32 assembly with the winner of Dirk van Duijvenbode’s assembly with Madars Razma after Christmas.
Ought to Bunting progress additional, he would face world primary and defending world champion Luke Humphries within the quarter-finals on New Yr’s Day.
Elsewhere in Friday afternoon’s session, the Dutch duo of Alexander Merkx and Wessel Nijman superior to the second spherical with wins over Stephen Burton and Cameron Carolissen respectively.
England’s Ian White was handed a walkover victory towards Sandro Eric Sosing of the Philippines.
Sosing withdrew from the competitors on medical grounds and was taken to hospital following chest pains.
Friday’s night session consists of three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen’s entrance into the event as he faces a second spherical tie with James Hurrell.
Comply with stay textual content protection from all 4 of Friday night’s matches through the ORIONEWS Sport web site and app, beginning at 18:45 GMT.