ITV forced to release apology as Australian Darts Masters coverage interrupted

A broadcasting blunder at the Australian Darts Masters forced ITV into an apology. Fans were gripped by Stephen Bunting's clash with Australian player Brody Klinge in the early hours of the morning when a technical error disrupted the viewing experience.

Fans' favourite Bunting was leading Klinge 5-1 when the sound disappeared from the coverage. There was no commentary or sound from inside the WIN Entertainment Centre. Bunting went on to win 6-1. ITV's broadcast soon featured an apology for the technical fault. Sound was later restored to the coverage.

Bunting's victory over Klinge landed him a spot in the quarter-final. Despite being the world No. 4, the Liverpudlian thrower is the top seed at the tournament as they are based on previous performances in other World Series events.

Earlier this year, Bunting won his first two World Series of Darts titles, at the Bahrain Darts Masters and Nordic Darts Masters. His impressive year so far also includes his first PDC European Tour title at the International Darts Open, and one nightly victory in Premier League Darts.

The 40-year-old will face Josh Rock in the last-eight after the Northern Irishman thrashed Simon Whitlock 6-1. Speaking afterwards, the in-form Rock said: "I didn't actually feel any nerves tonight. I really enjoyed my first experience of playing in Australia and I'm very happy with that performance."

Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price are among the top stars playing Down Under. Littler is playing for the first time since the World Matchplay and nearly suffered a shock in his opening match.

The 18-year-old found himself 4-3 down against New Zealand's Haupai Puha but battled back to win 6-5. Humphries also struggled against fellow Kiwi Jonny Tata - a truck driver by trade. Tata led 2-0 but the Premier League champion went on to win 6-3.

Littler, who is up against Damon Heta in the quarter-final, said after beating Puha: "Now I'm just really looking forward to getting up on that stage. I'm probably playing the best darts I've played on a consistent basis, but I believe I haven't hit my peak yet. I'm still only 24.

"It should be a fantastic event this weekend. We're all here to win, and I'm going to try as hard as I can to walk away with the title."