REIGNING Lakeside Champion Stephen Bunting continued his quest to win the William Hill World Darts Championship title on his Alexandra Palace debut with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over sixth seed James Wade in the final second round game.

In a tie which had been eagerly-awaited since the draw was made at the start of December, Bunting's bid to claim a debut win at Alexandra Palace continued as he ended the hopes of a below-par Wade.

Bunting powered out of the blocks, breaking throw in the opening leg and doubling his lead before claiming the set in style by finishing 161 for a 12-darter.

Wade found his stride in the second as he levelled the game by taking the set 3-1, only to see Bunting come from 2-1 down in the third to take a deciding leg, hitting his third 180 of the set as he edged back ahead.

Back-to-back 14-darters moved Wade 2-0 up in set four, but Bunting levelled before taking the set - and a 3-1 lead in the match - with a superb 144 checkout.

Wade also led in set five, but Bunting took the next three legs - with a 118 finish breaking throw - as he completed a fine win to move into the last 16 in his first William Hill World Darts Championship challenge, where he meets St Helens rival Michael Smith.

"It was a very nervous performance to be honest," said Bunting. "I know James Wade is a fantastic player but I had a lot of fans here tonight and they helped me get through it.

"The big finishes decided the game in the end. I managed to take them out at the right times and I think that was probably the main difference between me and James today, as he seemed to struggle a bit hitting his doubles.

"Obviously I'm not very happy with a 93 average but I managed to get through it. For some reason it just wasn't able to click up there but I can promise you I'll be back and ready for the next round.

"Michael's a fantastic player and a good friend, and it will be a great game - hopefully the whole town will be watching us."

Match Information First Set 0-3 - Bunting takes full advantage of a slow start from Wade. A double eight breaks in the first for Bunting, double ten gives him in the second, and he then clinches the set with a 161 finish on the bull.

Second Set 3-1 - Wade responds with tops and then breaks in the second leg, and though Bunting pulls back a leg, the left-hander clinches the set.

Third Set 2-3 - A break to start for Bunting, but missed doubles allow Wade to level, before a 75 puts him ahead despite a Bunting 180. Bunting finds another gear to take out 78 in the next as both men hit 180s, then another 180 helps him take the decider on a nerve-jangling double one.

Fourth Set 2-3 - A 96 finish for a break for Wade and a 13-darter puts him 2-0 up. Bunting responds with 180s in the next two legs helping him to square it up, before a brilliant 144 checkout wins the set.

Fifth Set 1-3 - Despite a 180 for Bunting, Wade wins the first leg. Another 180 is this time followed by 56 checkout for Bunting, who then breaks with a 118 finish before completing the win in leg four.