BUNTING REMAINS POSITIVE IN PREMIER LEAGUE

By Aaron Nijjar  

STEPHEN BUNTING remains positive despite a difficult Premier League campaign, where he has yet to register a win. 

The Liverpudlian suffered a heavy 6-0 defeat to Luke Littler on Thursday night, despite averaging 102.15 – the highest-ever Premier League match average recorded by a player failing to win a leg. 

Former Masters Champion Bunting remains bottom of the standings after eight nights of action. 

Reflecting on his struggles, Bunting credits his ability to stay positive to working with a hypnotherapist and sports psychologist. 

He said on The Bunting Effect: “It’s so important as well you look outside the box. 

“It’s not just all about darts. It could be something that happens in your life that affects your performances. 

“I have improved mentally and physically from seeking help.” 

While his Premier League form has been disappointing, Bunting has enjoyed success elsewhere this season.  

World No. 6 Bunting reached the semi-finals of the World Championship and secured his first-ever World Series title earlier this year. 

‘The Bullet’ revealed having a new baby in his family and entering the last four at Ally Pally has given him confidence heading into the rest of the season.  

He added: “The biggest reason for the recent success is I had a really good Worlds, which gave me a lot of confidence.  

“Winning the Masters last year was a massive plus for me. Moving from the 12-gram darts to the 18-grams has really helped. 

“Spending a lot of family time and having a new baby, I have a lot to play for.  

“Just the practice off the oche and making sure I’m the best version of myself has really helped.” 

Two-time Players Championship winner Bunting also shared his enthusiasm for the possibility of a Royal Rumble-style darts event. 

It would be a winner stays on competition whereby the loser of each match is replaced by a surprise player. 

The replacement player in question would be unknown to everyone watching and taking part until they walk on. 

Bunting said: “I think it would definitely work, and it will sell tickets. It’s been talked about through some of the sponsors.  

“That would be something Paddy Power would cling on to.  

“The knockout feature, people coming in from the side – it would be great, and I would love to be a part of it. 

“I like watching wrestling with my lad – Cody Rhodes is his favourite.” 

As for life outside of darts, Bunting would love to take part in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here if given the opportunity, following in the footsteps of other sports stars. 

He said: “I would do I’m a Celeb if I was asked. It would be an experience of a lifetime.  

“I know Phil Taylor was given the opportunity to do it. In the future, once darts is done, it’s definitely a good thing to do and I would love it.” 

However, Bunting admits that Strictly Come Dancing might not be for him. 

He revealed: “My dancing skills are not that good. I’d leave it to Dimitri Van den Bergh!” 

Bunting returns to action next Thursday at the Premier League in Berlin on Night Nine when he faces Nathan Aspinall.  

Images by Taylor Lanning.