Stephen Bunting vs Niels Zonneveld Prediction & Betting Tips - PDC World Matchplay Darts
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by Devesh Jaganath | in PDC World Matchplay Darts Predictions
The second match of the 2026 World Matchplay on Saturday evening will see Stephen Bunting facing off against Niels Zonneveld. Bullet has not lost to Triple Z in five previous encounters, and we’re backing that trend to continue as our main match prediction.
Stephen Bunting arrives in Blackpool as the number nine seed. This is his 10th time at the World Matchplay, but he has never got beyond the quarter-finals in any of his previous appearances.
Bullet had a stellar 2025 but has struggled to find his best in 2026. He finished second-bottom in the Premier League standings, and his best performance was reaching the semis at the World Championship.
Bunting has won just four of his last 10 matches across all competitions but has never lost a competitive matchup against this opponent.
Meanwhile, Niels Zonneveld qualified for this competition as a ProTour Qualifier. He is ranked 36th in the RDC Order of Merit and will be making his World Matchplay debut this year.
Triple Z has yet to win a senior PDC ranking title, but he has picked up a few notable wins this year, including a comeback victory over Luke Humphries at the Belgian Darts Open in March.
Zonneveld lost to Ross Smith 6-1 in his last match at the European Darts Open last week and has won just four of his last 10 games in all competitions.
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Stephen Bunting - Niels Zonneveld Key Points
- Stephen Bunting is 25 places above Zonneveld in the PDC Order of Merit.
- Stephen Bunting is averaging 96.57 across the last 12 months.
- Stephen Bunting has never lost a competitive match against this opponent.
- Niels Zonneveld is averaging 94.99 across the last 12 months.
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Our Stephen Bunting vs Niels Zonneveld Prediction
Niels Zonneveld has had a decent year and will now be looking to make his mark on debut at the World Matchplay, but he is up against an opponent he has not beaten in five previous encounters.
Stephen Bunting has endured a disappointing first half of the year compared to 2025, but given his scoring strength and experience at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, we fancy him to get the win in this contest. Our Stephen Bunting vs Niels Zonneveld prediction is Stephen Bunting wins.
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
