Premier League Darts: Stephen Bunting Prepared And Refocused For Glasgow On Evening Two After Emotional Return

Stephen Bunting admits his return to the Premier League has been an emotional one and he’ll hold cherishing each second of being a part of darts’ largest roadshow.

‘The Bullet’ has had a military of followers for a protracted whereas, his social media presence and stroll on to Sia’s ‘Titanium’ rising his following exponentially.

This rise in stardom has correlated with Bunting enjoying the very best darts of his profession for the final 18 months, which has moved him as much as world No 5 and earned him his call-up to the Premier League for the primary time in 10 years.

His return to the elite competitors got here final week in Belfast and, throughout his walk-on, Bunting teared up on the good welcome he acquired from the group, though he went on to lose the match 6-4 to Rob Cross.

The 39-year-old says he was blown away by the group’s response to his arrival, however now that he has obtained that first walk-on out of the best way, he is able to “cherish” every week the match has to supply.

“It was very emotional. I anticipated it to be good however I did not count on it to be pretty much as good because it was,” Bunting stated.

“Simply the entire crowd all supporting me and getting behind me. It welled me up after I obtained on stage and the tears began flowing.

“It has been a 10-year journey to get again into the Premier League, so there was plenty of feelings operating excessive anyway and it simply spilled over a bit.

“The nerves had been nonetheless there within the sport and sadly I did not get a win.

“Clearly the primary week there was no expectations and it was simply getting again into the large venues with massive crowds and getting used to that once more.

“Now that I’ve had that monkey off my again, I’m simply actually trying ahead to the following few weeks.”

Heading into Evening Two in Glasgow, dwell on Sky Sports activities on Thursday, Bunting faces the prospect of enjoying Michael van Gerwen in his quarter-final conflict.

Van Gerwen was a part of an all-time traditional Premier League match when he beat Luke Littler 6-5 in Belfast and the St Helens man is raring to point out why he is without doubt one of the worlds greatest in opposition to the three-time world champion.

“I’m massively trying ahead to it. To be sincere, I’m trying ahead to each single week that I play Premier League now,” Bunting added.

“I’ve obtained to cherish these moments, they’re massive moments in my profession.

“Clearly MVG is a large participant. He wasn’t there in Wigan [at the Players Championship] this week so he might be properly rested.

“I’m simply raring to go, to get on the stage, and listen to the ‘Bunting Military’ roaring me on.

“The feelings had been there the primary week. I’m certain I’ll nonetheless be a bit emotional with the walk-on and stuff however I’m used to that now and searching ahead to pushing on and enjoying my darts.

“Beating Michael within the Masters was a large a part of my profession. It was among the finest wins of my profession so far and I cherish enjoying these massive gamers.

“My sport is in an awesome place on the minute so to place my sport up in opposition to the very best gamers on the planet is nice for me and I really feel like I’m among the finest gamers on the planet on the minute.

“So I’ve simply obtained to maintain doing what I’m doing, hold my ft on the ground, hold the feelings in verify, and simply sit up for the sport.

“I’m certain the remainder will care for itself.”

Watch the second evening of Premier League Darts 2025 this Thursday from 7pm in Glasgow on Sky Sports activities Foremost Occasion and Sky Sports activities+. Stream darts and extra high sport with NOW