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Michael Smith and Steven Bunting continue their quest for a first PDC World Title when the two Englishman meet for their quarterfinal clash. Smith who has lost in the final of this event twice, including last year was many pundits’ pick before a dart was thrown and ‘Bully Boy’ is priced at 3/10 to earn another semi-final berth. Bunting, who is looking to add the PDC World Title to the BDO World Title he won back in 2014 is priced at 12/5 to pull off the upset.
Odds correct from Ladbrokes at the time of writing.
Michael Smith vs Steven Bunting – important information
- Quarter finals, 2023 PDC World Darts Championship
- 1st January, approx. 14:45 GMT
- Alexandra Palace, London
Michael Smith vs Steven Bunting: Prediction and Betting Tips
Contents
After several years of losing in various Major finals, Michael Smith was finally able to get the monkey off his back when he won the 2022 Grand Slam. Smith has all of the potential in the world but couldn’t quite get over the line when it mattered, that narrative has changed now.
A twice losing finalist, many believed that Smith was the man to beat this year, and so far he hasn’t disappointed. Smith overpowered Joe Cullen in the round of 16, a match many thought would go the distance. Smith finished with a tournament best average of 103 and scored ten maximums. He looks poised for yet another serious stab at the title.
Very few experts would have believed Steven Bunting could have made it this far in this year’s World Championship but the man from St Helen’s has produced some of the best darts of his career, ousting both Dave Chisnall and Luke Humphries in the last few rounds. Bunting knows what it takes to take to reach the semi-finals of the World Championship having reached this stage back in 2021. Despite Smith being the heavy favourite for the contest Bunting will believe he can cause the shock here.
Michael Smith to win
Michael Smith’s game looks to be in a great place and the former runner up looks to be on pace to land his first World Title. Bunting will certainly give Smith something to think about but Smith should have too much scoring power for Bunting to live with.
Michael Smith to win World Darts Championship quarterfinal @3/10
Michael Smith vs Steven Bunting: Head To Head
Smith and Bunting have met twelve times and its Bunting who has the better record leading 8-4. A lot of those wins came early in Smith’s career and Smith has been able to win three of the last four contests between the pair.
Michael Smith: Performance Analysis
Following Michael Smith’s victory at the 2022 Grand Slam, Smith’s game seems to have taken off. In his three matches so far, Smith has beaten Nathan Rafferty, Martin Schindler and Joe Cullen. Smith’s victory over Schindler was particularly impressive given the fact that Smith was staring an exit in the face and still managed to prevail 4-3. Clearly taking confidence from his comeback, Smith produced some great darts to dispatch the very serious challenge of Joe Cullen 4-1.
Steven Bunting: Performance Analysis
Steven Bunting turned his dismal head to head record against Dave Chisnall on its head when he finally beat his long time friend in the third round. Heading into the contest, Bunting had lost the last eight matches but produced some great darts to win 4-2.
Not content with his victory over Chisnall, Bunting raised his game even further when thrashing world number 5 Luke Humphries in the round of 16. Bunting produced arguably one of the best performances of his career, averaging just under 100 and scoring ten 180s.
Michael Smith vs Steven Bunting: Live Stream & Watch on TV
The match can be viewed in a variety of ways
- UK residents can view via Sky TV / NOW TV
- US / Canadian viewers can view via DAZN
- Australian viewers can view via Foxtel
- Across the world – live streaming is available via PDC TV and Bet365 (Accounts required)
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