Bunting admits top stars "sigh of relief" at Littler form

STEPHEN BUNTING has admitted that Luke Littler's patchy form is a “sigh of relief” for the other top stars of the sport.

The Nuke goes into the Grand Slam, which starts today at 1pm, as the defending champion and unbeaten in the tournament for two years.

Littler, 19, started 2026 on fire but, by his high standards, has dipped off slightly since winning the World Matchplay.

Bunting is a close friend of the teen sensation and admitted: “There's probably a deep sigh of relief when he goes out of a tournament, I'm not going to lie.

“I like him. He's a fantastic lad. I've grown to know him over the last probably ten years and he's a good friend of mine.

"I wish him all the best in his career until he plays me.

"We have great rivalry, not just me and Luke, but me and most of the other players, to be honest.

"I think just the way the standard keeps improving, it keeps pushing us to another other levels, other boundaries, if we keep improving.”

Bunting has had a very steady 2026 so far and believes he is ready to win another major title.

He added: “I feel like the confidence is there. I feel like I'm in a good place. I feel like I'm playing some of the best darts I have ever done.

“So with that, obviously the confidence comes, that imprint in my brain that I'm good enough to win titles again.

“And I think it's important that you feel that way, especially coming into the back end of the year.

“Three really big tournaments coming up, obviously all leading towards the World Championships, but the two before [Grand Slam and Players Championships] are exceptionally important because that gives you that confidence to go on for the Worlds.”

Images by Taylor Lanning.