As the Premier League Darts heats up, Stephen Bunting finds himself in a precarious situation, locked in a winless spiral after seven weeks of competition. This year's Premier League has been nothing short of a nightmare for the 39-year-old, who suffered yet another defeat, falling to Chris Dobey 6-2 in a quarter-final clash in Cardiff.
With this loss on March 20, 2025, Bunting has now reached a disheartening milestone as the only player in the tournament yet to earn a single point. His current record stands at 0-7, a stark contrast to his earlier success when he reached the semi-finals of the PDC World Championships, solidifying a spot in the prestigious eight-person tournament for the first time since 2015.
Bunting expressed his devastation following the match on social media, stating, "Absolutely gutted. So sorry to all who support me. Practiced so well tonight and unfortunately it just didn’t happen on the stage. I’ll keep giving it my all guys and keep believing." He noted that the mounting pressure has led him to feel overly nervous while performing, impacting his ability to compete effectively.
In analyzing his performance, commentators have pointed out both the mental and physical challenges associated with his current state. Renowned commentator Rod Studd didn’t hold back in his assessment, saying, "This is like watching two blokes try to push custard uphill with a fork." He continued with critical observations about Bunting's game, expressing, "[Bunting] will be saying to himself, how many more mistakes am I going to make up here? It’s almost like a bingo card of blunders." Such remarks underscore the gravity of Bunting's winless streak and the eyes that are watching closely as he struggles at the bottom of the leaderboard.
Despite these challenges, supporters remain hopeful for Bunting, a known fan favorite renowned for his dynamic stage presence and personality. The Liverpool native qualified for the Premier League after strong performances in earlier events, including winning the Bahrain Darts Masters and being a finalist at the Dutch Darts Masters just prior to this season. However, this recent run of poor form raises questions about his ability to adapt to the elite level of the Premier League.
Looking back into history, Bunting joins an unfortunate list of players who have experienced similar slumps in the Premier League. Glen Durrant had a winless seven-game streak in 2021, leading him to quit the sport altogether. Robert Thornton also faced harsh realities in 2016 with five defeats and one loss in the old format of the Premier League. Comparably, Bunting seems to draw parallels with these former competitors although it is worth noting that not all players do not bounce back after such defeats.
He will undoubtedly take lessons from fellow competitors like Gerwyn Price, who managed to recover significantly after a disappointing showing in 2018. Bunting's current situation reflects the reality that the Premier League's competitive format can be unforgiving. He sits five points adrift, trailing Dobey without much time left to pivot his standings as the tournament progresses to Newcastle for night eight on March 27.
As if this situation could not be more precarious, Bunting faces the formidable presence of Luke Littler in the next round. Littler is not just any opponent; he currently leads the standings with 21 points, buoyed by an impressive nine-darter victory over Michael van Gerwen during the match in Cardiff. Whereas Littler appears continuously to excel at this level, Bunting must now find ways to overcome not only his opponents but also the intense psychological pressure that comes with being at the foot of the table.
For Bunting, the future is daunting yet not hopeless. Fans and fellow players alike have offered encouragement, providing a necessary support system during these challenging times. As he prepares for the next event, the pressing question is whether "The Bullet" can harness the confidence necessary to turn things around and finally claim his first victory of the season in Newcastle. This upcoming match could become a pivotal moment in his campaign, possibly marking the beginning of his comeback or furthering his struggles.
