BUNTING VOWS TO COMPETE FOR ANOTHER 10 YEARS

STEPHEN BUNTING has vowed to keep competing at the top level for at least another 10 years. 

‘The Bullet’ kicked off 2025 by bagging his first World Series crown at the Bahrain Masters and added a maiden Euro Tour title with victory at the International Darts Open in April. 

Former masters champ Bunting has recorded the FIFTH most 100+ averages on tour this year, hitting 27 in 77 matches – a clear sign of the superb form he’s carried throughout the season.  

Despite finishing bottom of the Premier League after losing his first eight games, Bunting still produced a standout performance to win Night Nine — showing the kind of form that’s kept him inside the world’s top four. 

St Helens thrower Bunting insists he’s far from done on the professional circuit. 

He said: “I’m 40 now so I think 10 years minimum and 15 years maximum. 

“I’m world number four and still believe I have a lot to give to the game. 

“I’d love to win the World Championship again. If that was my last title then great.  

“I still believe I have a few big titles left in me. I’m playing well enough so who knows.” 

World No. 4 Bunting was then asked which rivals darts he would use at the oche. 

He added: “It definitely would not be Ryan Searle’s that’s for sure.  

“I would probably use Chizzy’s [Dave Chisnall].  

“Chizzy has a long barrel but I’ve thrown them a few times and they’re really nice darts.  

“I would ask my mate Chizzy to lend me a set.

“I would not use Ryan Searle’s because his are 36 gram and are a lot heavier than what I am used to. 

“I’d feel like I was in the gym to be honest if I was using his darts.” 

Bunting also admitted his dream opponent would have been the legendary Eric Bristow.  

He revealed: “It would have to be Eric Bristow. Obviously I’ve played the Phil Taylor’s in the game.  

“But I think Eric Bristow was such an icon. He walked on combing his hair.  

“It would have been incredible to play him on the big stage.” 

Image by Taylor Lanning.