MARDLE PRAISES MENTAL STRENGTH OF BUNTING
20/05/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
WAYNE MARDLE has lauded the mental fortitude of Stephen Bunting.
‘The Bullet’ was rock bottom of the table having lost all EIGHT of his first-round games in this year’s Premier League.
World No. 4 Bunting was stuck on a 12-game winless streak in the Prem – not tasting victory since a 7-1 hammering of Gary Anderson in Cardiff back in 2015 during his debut season.
But when the roadshow hit Berlin, Bunting suddenly burst into life as he claimed his first Nightly triumph.
Former Masters Champion Bunting then reached the final on Night 11 in Rotterdam and has now won his last two quarter-final clashes.
And legendary pundit Mardle reckons Bunting’s fightback proves he’s got more bottle than anyone else in this year’s major.
He said: “I believe Stephen Bunting has shown more strength mentally than any other player in the Premier League.
“After losing for eight weeks running it would have been so easy to have been beaten and just roll over and think do you know what I have had enough of this.
“We’ve seen it from other players in the past that think I don’t care anymore, I no longer want to play.
“We have not had that for a millisecond from Stephen.
“When this campaign does end for him, I hope he looks back not with fondness but thinks do you know what, that was a good effort. I tried as hard as I could for the duration. Credit to him.”
Bunting added: “The Premier League season has been a bit difficult to be fair.
“Obviously you have seen me at the foot of the table.
“But I have enjoyed every minute of it and I’ve not been for lack of trying.
“I’ve gave it my all every week. It took quite a few weeks to get used to the walk-on and playing in front of the big crowds.
“I would love to come back and do it all again.”
St Helens thrower Bunting currently boasts the fourth highest average in the tournament with a stellar 97.59 after 15 weeks of action.
The 40-year-old is having a great season outside of the competition after winning his maiden European Tour title at the International Darts Open last month in Riesa.
Bunting returns to action this Thursday in the Premier League and will face league leader Luke Littler.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
