Emotional Stephen Bunting shed tears as his darts ascent continued with World Series glory in Bahrain.
The Bullet produced a magnificent run and sealed the title with an 8-4 Final win over Gerwyn Price. Bunting admitted there were “100 per cent” times he doubted he’d get back to the top after a spell in the doldrums before last year’s resurgence. He teared-up when admitting: “To be away from the family is hard” But he then added: “I’m lost for words. I’m playing the best I’ve ever played, more consistent, believing I can win titles.
“Coming off the back of the semi-finals in the Worlds, I’ve come in full of confidence. From where I was last year to up in World No.5, I’ve got a lot of people to thank for that. It all definitely helps to the rise of Stephen Bunting.
“It’s taken a lot of hard work. The hypnotherapy behind the scenes, the psychology in the past, from feeling down in the dumps to being World No.5 is an incredible feeling.
“It’s made me really strong, to be honest. To go from where I was to where I am now. I’ve got a great team behind me. Hopefully, the only way up.”
Bunting defeated Chris Dobey and World No.1 Luke Humphries before taking care of Price, who ended the hopes of World Champion Luke Littler at the last-eight stage.
The Welshman is also working back to his best having just missed a nine-darter against The Nuke being pummelling Peter Wright in his semi. Price said: “I know my game is going in the right direction. Stephen’s been playing fantastic for the last 12, 18 months.
“I missed a couple of opportunities in there. He took out some big checkouts, which obviously put me under pressure. I was always chasing him. But Premier League around the corner, I think I’ll get him back. Apparently me and Nathan [Aspinall] weren’t supposed to be in the Premier League, but I think this weekend we’re probably the two best players, apart from Stephen in the Final.
“I mean, we all have little blips. People can write us off, but I’ll come back fighting stronger than ever. I know the talent I’ve got. I know that I’m always improving week on week. It’s nice to get to the final, but I wanted that trophy. I’ve lost in the semis. I’ve lost in the final twice. I’ll get it next time.”