Grand Slam of Darts: Rob Cross dominates Damon Heta while Stephen Bunting ends American fairytale

Buntz had defied the odds to reach the last eight on his debut at a televised event, beating former world champion Peter Wright as well as Bunting in the group stage before seeing off UK Open champion Andrew Gilding.

Bunting, though, exacted revenge for his defeat last Sunday to progress to the Grand Slam semi-finals for the first time, landing six maximums along the way.

After recovering from losing the opening leg, the Bullet soon held a 4-1 lead at the first interval, only for the American, who is set to make his debut in next month’s PDC World Championship, to stay in the contest and level at 6-6.

Former Lakeside champion Bunting then claimed a run of legs – including a stunning 126 checkout – to take control at 14-7 before getting the job done with 62 per cent on his doubles.

Bunting goes on to face Rob Cross, who beat Australian Damon Heta 16-6.

Heta had defeated three-time champion Michael van Gerwen in the last eight and looked to match Cross as there was little between them at 6-6.

However, Cross, world champion in 2018, reeled off the next 10 legs, including one with a 116 finish, to book his place in the semi-finals as he aims to land the Eric Bristow trophy when the tournament plays to a conclusion on Sunday.