Stephen Bunting’s Swiss Darts Trophy defence ends as James Wade also exits

Stephen Bunting’s Swiss Darts Trophy title defence ended with a 6-4 defeat by Jeffrey de Graaf in Basel, while James Wade also suffered a second-round exit.

De Graaf averaged 93.04 against Bunting’s 91.67 to eliminate the defending champion and reach Sunday’s last 16, according to the Dartsnews results breakdown.

Stephen Bunting misses chance to extend Basel run

Bunting entered the tournament with more than his title defence at stake.

As our European Championship qualification preview explained, he occupied the final qualifying position after the first 13 European Tour events.

His defeat ends his opportunity to progress further in Switzerland. The Dutch Darts Championship in Maastricht follows next weekend before the Dortmund field is settled.

Wade beaten despite higher average

Wade lost a deciding leg to Dirk van Duijvenbode, going down 6-5 despite averaging 99.72 to the Dutchman’s 93.36.

Jonny Clayton enjoyed a more comfortable evening, averaging 108.81 in a 6-1 victory over Maik Kuivenhoven. Josh Rock edged Dave Chisnall 6-5, with the results also recorded by LiveDarts.

The evening exits followed an afternoon in which several seeded players were beaten, including Martin Schindler, who lost 6-4 to Tom Bissell.

Sunday brings the third round before the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. Our Swiss Darts Trophy viewing guide has the UK streaming details.

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