Jack Kenmare
Stephen Bunting gave an emotional on-stage interview after he was involved in an uncomfortable exchange with Jermaine Wattimena at the Belgian Open.
Bunting secured his place in the third round of the Belgian Open on Saturday with a memorable 6-3 win over Wattimena, who recorded an average of 91.91 in his opener against Patrick de Backer.
The Dutch thrower took an early 3-0 lead at the Oktoberhallen but after reeling off six straight legs, Bunting returned to winning ways following a tough start to his Premier League campaign.
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Shortly after hitting double 20 to secure victory, a relieved Bunting went over to shake hands with his opponent.
But in a moment that took the much-loved Liverpudlian by surprise, a visibly frustrated Wattimena appeared to snub the outstretched hand of the world number six before walking away.
As you can see from the footage below, Wattimena proceeded to have a stern word with Bunting and even wagged his finger at "The Bullet" before walking off stage.
Bunting's pace of play could have played a role in the outburst, according to Viaplay commentator Jacques Nieuwlaat.
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"It's not very sporting that he waits so long before giving a hand," said Nieuwlaat. "He still seems to be saying something and I suspect it has to do with Bunting's pace. Ugh, bad loser, Wattimena."
Speaking in his post-match interview on the Oktoberhallen stage, Bunting appeared upset as he addressed the incident.
"He was telling me that I'd done something wrong," Bunting began. "I've got a lot of respect for Jermaine and I didn't expect that at the end of the game. I tried my best to win and I thought it was just a normal game.
"He picked up on something. I don't know what it was but I'll have a word with him backstage. There was no malice in my game. You've known me for many years and I'm not that sort of player to play mind games on people."
Here's how fans on social media reacted to the incident.
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One said: "They have just said on Dutch TV Wattimena was angry because Stephen slowed the game down. Personally I don’t think he did watching it."
A second wrote: "No need for that from Wattimena. Bunting took his chances and kicked into gear, didn’t look like he was being a bully or intimidating. Shame really."
A third commented: "What happened? It seems that Wattimena is not happy with Bunting," while a fourth said: "Wattimena forever a sore loser. How can he possibly accuse Bunting of mind games? One of the nicest blokes in darts."
A fifth added: "What’s wrong with Wattimena?? Bunting played his normal game, no disrespect no trickery at all, blokes just crying because he lost 6 straight and can’t stand to blame himself for playing poorly."
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Thoughts on the incident? Let us know in the comments.