Stephen Bunting, a prominent figure in the world of professional darts, has addressed criticism surrounding his conduct during matches against rising star Luke Littler. Bunting, known as “The Bullet,” faced off against the teenage prodigy, nicknamed “The Nuke,” in a high-profile semi-final clash at the World Darts Championship. While Littler convincingly defeated Bunting 6-1, their subsequent encounter at the Dutch Darts Masters saw Bunting emerge victorious in a closely contested 7-6 semi-final. However, it wasn’t the results of these matches that drew scrutiny, but rather Bunting’s repeated fist-bumps with Littler during their World Championship encounter.
The seemingly innocuous gesture sparked controversy among fellow professionals, with Dave Chisnall, a close friend of Bunting, expressing his bewilderment. Chisnall, while emphasizing his aversion to gamesmanship and negative commentary, admitted that the frequent fist-bumps struck him as unusual. This sentiment resonated with a segment of the darts community, leading to accusations of “weird behaviour” directed at Bunting. Bunting has vehemently refuted these claims, emphasizing his respect for Littler and highlighting the teenager’s significant contributions to the sport. He emphasized his long-standing acquaintance with Littler, dating back to the young player’s childhood.
Bunting interpreted the criticism as a testament to his improved form, suggesting that the focus on the fist-bumps rather than his performance indicates a lack of other negative aspects to criticize. He framed the controversy as a positive sign, reflecting the heightened attention his game has garnered. The darts veteran viewed the scrutiny of his gestures as a distraction tactic employed by critics seeking to undermine his success. He argued that the emphasis on a seemingly trivial act demonstrates that his performance leaves little room for genuine critique.
Furthermore, Bunting acknowledged the crucial role that fan support plays in his performance. He expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic chants and unwavering encouragement he receives from the crowd, emphasizing how their presence helps him navigate the often isolating experience of competing on stage. He views the connection with the fans as a source of strength and motivation, particularly during challenging moments. Bunting emphasized the importance of fan engagement and the boost it provides during high-pressure situations.
Bunting’s recent performances have been impressive, demonstrating consistency and skill. Despite his loss to Rob Cross in the Dutch Masters final, his string of strong showings leading up to the final solidified his position among the elite players in the sport. His resilience and ability to compete at the highest level have earned him a dedicated following, demonstrated by their vocal support during his matches. He continues to be a force to be reckoned with on the professional darts circuit.
Looking ahead, Bunting aims to defend his title at the upcoming Winmau World Masters in Milton Keynes. As the reigning champion, he enters the tournament with a target on his back, facing a challenging field of competitors vying for the prestigious title and the substantial £100,000 prize. Both Bunting and Littler, currently ranked World No. 5 and World No. 2 respectively, will begin their campaigns against qualifying opponents. The tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of darts talent, with high stakes and intense competition. Bunting’s defense of his title will undoubtedly be one of the main storylines to follow.
