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Stephen Bunting has awkward exchange with opponent and delivers emotional on-stage interview
Stephen Bunting is unlikely to receive a Christmas card from Jermaine Wattimena any time soon. The pair shared a tense exchange after Bunting had come back from 3-0 down to beat Wattimena 6-3 in the second round of the Belgian Darts Open on Saturday. GettyBunting had Wattimena unhappy about something after their Belgian Open clash[/caption] After Bunting nailed double 20 to secure the victory he turned around and had his hand outstretched, expecting Wattimena to be there. Instead, the Dutchman stood with his back to Bunting and took his time to pack up his equipment. Bunting, the fifth seed at the tournament, decided he’d not wait any longer and went to shake the hands of the officials, with Wattimena soon following suit. Eventually the rivals came together and shook hands, but Wattimena said something to Bunting that left the Liverpudlian rather baffled. Wattimena then waved a winger in Bunting’s direction before stepping off stage. The whole exchange had Bunting miffed as he claimed he ‘didn’t expect’ any of Wattimena’s antics after the clash in his post-match interview. “I have got a lot of respect for Jermaine, and I didn’t expect that at the end of the game,” Bunting said. “I tried my best to win the game, and I thought it was just a normal game. “He picked up on something, I don’t know what it was, but I’ll have a word with him backstage. “There was no malice in my game. You’ve known me for many years now, and I’m not that type of player to play mind games on people.” View Tweet: https://t.co/gCHYptsVHA PDCThe Dutchman waved his finger at Bunting as the exchange left the Brit stunned[/caption] However, Dutch commentator Jacques Nieuwlaat believes Wattimena’s frustration stemmed from what he may have perceived to be a slow pace of play from Bunting. “It’s not very sporting that he waits so long before giving a hand,” Nieuwlaat said on Viaplay. “He still seems to be saying something and I suspect it has to do with Bunting’s pace. “Ugh, bad loser, Wattimena.” Thanks to his win over Wattimena, Bunting will face former World Grand Prix winner Daryl Gurney in the third round. Gurney progressed thanks to a 6-2 win over No. 12 seed Danny Noppert. PDCBunting insisted he’s not the type to play mind games with his opponents[/caption] A deep run at the Oktoberhallen for Bunting could be what’s needed to revive his flat-lining Premier League performances. Bunting has yet to register a single win from the first five Premier League nights, with his most recent outing being a 6-2 defeat to Nathan Aspinall last Thursday in Brighton. The 39-year-old will hope to break his winless run on Thursday for night six of the Premier League in Nottingham.
Stephen Bunting is unlikely to receive a Christmas card from Jermaine Wattimena any time soon.
The pair shared a tense exchange after Bunting had come back from 3-0 down to beat Wattimena 6-3 in the second round of the Belgian Darts Open on Saturday.
After Bunting nailed double 20 to secure the victory he turned around and had his hand outstretched, expecting Wattimena to be there.
Instead, the Dutchman stood with his back to Bunting and took his time to pack up his equipment.
Bunting, the fifth seed at the tournament, decided he’d not wait any longer and went to shake the hands of the officials, with Wattimena soon following suit.
Eventually the rivals came together and shook hands, but Wattimena said something to Bunting that left the Liverpudlian rather baffled.
Wattimena then waved a winger in Bunting’s direction before stepping off stage.
The whole exchange had Bunting miffed as he claimed he ‘didn’t expect’ any of Wattimena’s antics after the clash in his post-match interview.
“I have got a lot of respect for Jermaine, and I didn’t expect that at the end of the game,” Bunting said.
“I tried my best to win the game, and I thought it was just a normal game.
“He picked up on something, I don’t know what it was, but I’ll have a word with him backstage.
“There was no malice in my game. You’ve known me for many years now, and I’m not that type of player to play mind games on people.”
However, Dutch commentator Jacques Nieuwlaat believes Wattimena’s frustration stemmed from what he may have perceived to be a slow pace of play from Bunting.
“It’s not very sporting that he waits so long before giving a hand,” Nieuwlaat said on Viaplay.
“He still seems to be saying something and I suspect it has to do with Bunting’s pace.
“Ugh, bad loser, Wattimena.”
Thanks to his win over Wattimena, Bunting will face former World Grand Prix winner Daryl Gurney in the third round.
Gurney progressed thanks to a 6-2 win over No. 12 seed Danny Noppert.
A deep run at the Oktoberhallen for Bunting could be what’s needed to revive his flat-lining Premier League performances.
Bunting has yet to register a single win from the first five Premier League nights, with his most recent outing being a 6-2 defeat to Nathan Aspinall last Thursday in Brighton.
The 39-year-old will hope to break his winless run on Thursday for night six of the Premier League in Nottingham.
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