Stephen Bunting vs Niels Zonneveld Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Matchplay | First Round
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Two-time World Matchplay quarter-finalist Stephen Bunting takes on Winter Gardens debutant Niels Zonneveld in the first round.
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Stephen Bunting vs Niels Zonneveld prediction
Stephen Bunting is yet to really have his moment in 2026 but has been playing some decent darts of late. The Bullet has slipped to ninth in the PDC rankings but is undoubtedly a player that many would look to avoid in the draw.
Despite two previous quarter-final appearances at the World Matchplay, Bunting has also suffered a string of first-round exits at Winter Gardens. Indeed, the 41-year-old has lost at the first hurdle on seven of his previous 11 appearances at the celebrated tournament.
Niels Zonneveld makes his World Matchplay debut after an excellent start to the year, with the Dutchman having made consecutive semi-finals on the European Tour in March.
Ranked just inside the top 40, the 27-year-old has lost all five previous matches against Bunting, including both this year, although he did push the Englishman close in those last two meetings.
We like Bunting here, but Zonneveld is playing well enough to make this a competitive contest.
Stephen Bunting vs Niels Zonneveld tip: Over 16.5 legs
