BUNTING WINS INTERNATIONAL DARTS OPEN

By Aaron Nijjar

STEPHEN BUNTING defeated Nathan Aspinall 8-5 to win the International Open in Germany – his first European Tour title. 

‘The Bullet’ had ended a run of eight match defeats in the Premier League on Thursday when he won Night Nine in Berlin.

Bunting continued his impressive form in Germany with a confident display in the final at the Sachsen Arena in Riesa as he averaged 100.19 to Aspinall’s 91.36.

Former Masters champion Bunting raced into a 3-1 lead but Aspinall got back on level terms with two bullseye finishes, including a stellar 130 checkout. 

World No. 4 Bunting reeled off the next three legs and even though Aspinall remained in touch he was unable to wrestle back the momentum. 

Two-time major winner Aspinall was seeking to win back-to-back European Tour wins after he lifted the European Darts Trophy in Gottingen last month but was unable to achieve that feat.  

Following his victory, Bunting revealed he was delighted to pick up the crown and was full of praise for his opponent Aspinall. 

He said: “It’s feels unbelievable to be honest. I’m just so happy to get the win. I came in with a lot of confidence having won in the week having not one in eight in the Premier League. 

“To be up on this stage, playing against the best players in the world, in front of the best fans in the sport, it’s absolutely amazing. 

“Commiserations go to Nathan Aspinall. He didn’t play his best, I don’t know if he’s struggling with an injury. But he’s an amazing player given where he’s been. 

“We go to the same hypnotherapist, we’re really close friends, I wish him all the best until the end of the season because I’m sure there are more battles we’re going to have.” 

The Liverpudlian admitted he was full of confidence heading into the tournament after securing his first nightly win in the Premier League earlier in the week.  

He added: “Can I play here every week? I love coming to Germany and playing in front of these fans – and it’s extra special coming away with a trophy.  

“The Premier League was a massive catalyst to what I have done these last few days. I couldn’t do it without the quality of opponents I’m facing and the quality of the tournaments the PDC put on. 

“I know I’ve moved to world number four, which is massive for me. I’ll just keep playing.

“‘I’m bulletproof, nothing to lose, fire away, fire away’ – that is what I’m about. Through thick and thin I always find a way. Thankfully I was about to find a way in this final. 

“People were writing me off, I knew I was playing well in the Premier League. I felt it was just a matter of time, but the longer it went on, the harder it became. 

“Thankfully I got that one win over Nathan and went on to win the night in Berlin, it was absolutely beautiful.  

“I came here straight off the back of that, confidence was high, and I’ve gone on to win this. 

“This is extra special. I’m going to have to have another picture with the trophy in bed tonight, aren’t I?!” 

Earlier, Bunting had claimed a thrilling 7-6 win against Luke Humphries – his second win over the over world number one in a week – to reach the final.

Humphries came from 4-1 down to draw level, but Bunting produced an 11-dart leg to take victory.

Bunting beat Czech ace karel Sedlacek 6-4 in the quarter-final.

Image by Taylor Lanning.