Gary Anderson shows true colours with actions behind Stephen Bunting at World Matchplay

Gary Anderson showed he is a true darts gentleman by willing Stephen Bunting on to complete a nine-dart finish at the World Matchplay. The Flying Scotsman faced the popular Liverpudlian in the second round in Blackpool.

It proved to be a pulsating clash that saw Bunting pip the two-time PDC World Champion in a dramatic tie break. The victory saw Bunting reach the quarter-finals at the Winter Gardens. The finest action on the oche came in the 15th leg, where Bunting was leading Anderson 8-6 in a first to 11 clash. After hitting eight perfect darts, Bunting was a double 12 away from hitting a nine-dart finish. Despite it being a pivotal leg, Anderson, standing behind Bunting, could be seen willing his opponent on to complete a classic nine-dart finish which would have sent the crowd into raptures.

After Bunting landed inside and scored a single twelve instead of a double, the Bullet put both hands on his head and turned to Anderson. The Scottish star, visibly smiling in the hope that Bunting would find perfection, waved his hands down in a jocular manner and continued smiling to himself.

Looking back on the nine-darter attempt, Bunting said: "It was close, to be fair. If I had it back, I think it'd be further away! But I feel like I'm playing the best darts of my life. Even in practice I'm hitting nines and constantly being on for the double. The game's in a great place."

Bunting came close to losing the leg when he missed two shots at a double on his next go, but eventually sealed it with a double three. After plenty of toing and froing, Bunting wrapped up a 12-10 victory in the tiebreak with a cool 112 finish.

The pair shared a warm embrace at the end of the game, with Anderson hugging and shaking Bunting's hand, while also saying congratulations. It was a huge victory for Bunting who was the first to admit that he was not at his best at the start of the game.

Bunting hopes this victory will act as a launchpad for a potentially successful run at the Matchplay. He said: "I'm not a village idiot anymore who comes here and has a laugh.

"I'm here to win this title. I'd be fooling myself if I didn't believe I could win it. I know how good I can be - I've got three good games in the tank, and I've had a great season already."

He added:"I think two years ago I'd have capitulated at 10-10. Now I've got that extra power to take a deep breath, relax, and get back to the oche and hit a big shot.

"That mental strength is going to stand me in good stead - not just for this tournament, but for everything going forward."