CLASSY BUNTING HAILS PRICE AMID PREM WIN

By Aaron Nijjar 

STEPHEN BUNTING admitted his Night Nine triumph in Berlin was ‘an amazing feeling’ after showing grit and determination to end his 12-match Premier League losing streak.  

Not only did he manage to get his first success, by beating Nathan Aspinall 6-2, but he smashed world number one Luke Humphries 6-2 and then overcame Gerwyn Price in the final. 

The Bullet won his first Prem games for 10 YEARS. 

And after Price missed two match darts as he was put off by a whistler in the crowd, the St Helens thrower responded to win 6-5, sealing the victory with a spectacular 107 finish.  

Bunting is still bottom of the Premier League on five points but he will take confidence from his remarkable turnaround and believes there is a still a chance he can make the play-offs.  

The Liverpudlian revealed: “Let’s not get too far ahead of ourselves. I’m not going to put too much pressure on myself. There is still a chance I can make the top four but I will just turn up each week and give my all.” 

Classy Bunting admits he felt for seven-time major winner Price when the Welshman was being booed during their showdown.  

He said: “I felt a bit for Gezzy. There were a few boos in the crowd, I tried to quieten them down.  

“But listen, Gezzy was the ultimate sportsman there. He came up, gave me a hug and said, ‘well done, you deserved that after what you’ve gone through so far’.” 

Former Masters champion Bunting also took to social media to share his delight.  

He joked on X: “OMG. WOW. What can I say? This trophy has to be one of the best I’ve been in bed with!” 

World No. 5 Bunting admitted he always kept faith in his ability despite his turbulent start to the tournament. 

He added: “From the sheer turmoil of not winning a game in the first eight weeks of the Premier League, to then winning three on the night and claiming Night Nine in Berlin—what an amazing feeling. 

“I’m so proud I showed grit and determination and never once gave in. It’s always a great feeling when you bounce back off the canvas, and this gives me massive confidence moving forward.” 

Bunting expressed gratitude to his family, thanking his partner Keila and children Toby and Theo for their unwavering support.  

He wrote: “I’d like to thank my family (Keila, Toby & Theo) who have been inspiring me to keep believing even when things go wrong.  

“Massive thanks to my manager who’s always there through thick and thin and we are a great team together.  

“Massive thanks to my sponsors who put their faith in me to be the best I can be and I’m proud for your support guys.” 

The 39-year-old extended his appreciation to the fans who have continued to back him through difficult times.  

He added: “A huge, huge thanks to the fans—I know supporting me can sometimes be difficult, but rest assured whenever I go up on stage, I always give 110%.  

“This victory isn’t just for me, you all share this with me. The ‘Let’s Go Bunting’ chant is so loud now, and the walk-on… what can I say? It warms my heart. I love you all!”