Stephen Bunting clearly regretted missing a double that cost him the match as he faced the Ally Pally crowd with his head in his hands.
Bunting had given himself it all to do going into the final legs of the clash. And after an incredible 14th 180 of the tournament, he just needed 38 to check out – potentially swinging the momentum of the match in his favour.
The Englishman went to split his darts as he nailed a six, leaving him needing a preferred double 16 to check out. However, he failed to hit the spot, meaning Michael Smith just had to nail a double 20 to take the win, and secure a semi-final spot.
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One fan tweeted: "Why on earth would Stephen Bunting split for 32 there when the double 16 and double 8 have failed him all afternoon? Gutted for him like, he’s played out of his skin but you can’t be missing 44 darts at a double in a quarter-final against Michael Smith!"
"Got to feel for bunting couldn't hit a double," a second added.
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While a third tweeted: "Lucky boy Michael Smith, Bunting was the better player the majority of that match, just missed dart after dart at double at crucial times!"
And a fourth said: "Bunting bottled that man, 44 missed darts at double and who splits D19 when your opponent is on his favourite double."
Bully Boy is looking for his first PDC World Championship after falling at the final hurdle in 2019 and in 2022.
However, he will still have to navigate the semi-finals, where he could face Gerwyn Price, should he beat Gabriel Clemens on Sunday evening.
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