Stephen Bunting became only the fourth player in the tournament’s history to successfully defend the Winmau World Masters following a 7-0 victory over James Wilson in the final.
Bunting who did not drop a single set throughout the tournament and brushed aside John Michael, Wesley Harms, Remco van Eijden and Darryl Fitton during his run to the final. Current Lakeside champion Scott Waites lost out to Robbie Green at the quarterfinal stage. James Wilson then stopped Green in the semis whose 6-3 victory secured his place in the final. Wilson’s progression to the final also saw him taking the notable first round scalp of Martin Adams and then edge a close quarterfinal battle with Jan Dekker.
Seeds Jeffrey de Graaf, Martin Atkins, Richie George and Tony O’Shea were all dumped out in the first round, a missed attempt at double 10 for Ryan Searle called as game shot signalling the end for young Richie George.