Stephen Bunting, the 2014 BDO World Darts Champion, is aiming for a PDC World Championship title, a feat only achieved by four players in history. He envisions a triumphant return to Anfield, parading the trophy before Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United on January 5th. This dream fuels his current campaign, offering a stark contrast to his previous Lakeside victory celebration where he was largely unrecognized. A Liverpool fanatic, Bunting relishes the prospect of showcasing a world championship trophy to the Anfield faithful, particularly against their fierce rivals. He anticipates a less than enthusiastic reception from the United supporters, but the thought of displaying such prestigious silverware fuels his ambition.
Bunting’s journey to this point has been marked by a significant shift in mindset, largely attributed to embracing hypnotherapy. This mental transformation culminated in his Masters victory last February, proving the effectiveness of his new approach. He acknowledges the importance of various factors contributing to peak performance, including diet and energy management, recognizing the individuality of each player’s needs and strategies. He emphasizes learning from the best, adapting successful approaches to one’s own game.
Bunting’s reflections on his Lakeside victory highlight the contrast between his then-limited fanbase and his current, significantly larger following, particularly on platforms like TikTok. This growth in popularity is evident in his interactions with Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, a budding friendship forged over their shared interest in darts. Bunting’s gift of darts and a shirt to Kelleher underscores this camaraderie, further solidifying his connection with the Liverpool football club. The anecdote about Kelleher’s brother, a fan of Bunting, wearing a Bunting shirt on a stag do further demonstrates the darts player’s increasing recognition.
Bunting’s current run at the PDC World Championship is juxtaposed against the early exit of fellow St Helens player and number two seed, Michael Smith. He expresses empathy for Smith, understanding the crushing disappointment of a premature departure from such a prestigious tournament, especially during the festive season. He acknowledges the difficulty of reconciling the intense preparation and anticipation with the swift, unexpected end to the World Championship dream. Bunting’s own relief at progressing further in the tournament is palpable, contrasting his current situation with the emotional turmoil Smith must be experiencing.
Bunting’s reference to his hypnotherapist’s attempted outreach to Smith and his family sheds light on the mental challenges faced by professional darts players. While respecting individual preferences, Bunting highlights the benefits he has personally derived from hypnotherapy, suggesting it as a potential tool for others. He stops short of prescribing any specific approach, emphasizing the importance of finding what works best for each individual, be it hypnotherapy, dietary adjustments, or other performance-enhancing strategies.
The list of past PDC World Darts Champions underscores the dominance of Phil Taylor, with a staggering 14 titles. This impressive record highlights the challenge faced by any player aspiring to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Michael van Gerwen, a three-time champion, stands out as one of the few to have consistently challenged Taylor’s legacy. The list serves as a historical record of the evolution of professional darts, marking the achievements of those who have conquered the world stage. It provides context for Bunting’s ambition, placing his current quest within the larger narrative of darts history.
