Emotional Bunting claims he’ll “win the worlds” following Kumar win

An emotional Stephen Bunting has predicted an upset, claiming he’ll “win the worlds” following a 3–0 victory over Nitin Kumar last night (December 20).

Bunting progresses through to the third round

The Merseyside darts ace outclassed his opponent, averaging 94.11 and hitting 52.94% on the doubles as he progressed through to the third round.

An entertaining first set saw Bunting take the lead in the opening leg with a 118 checkout before Kumar hit back in the second.

Bunting, not wanting to give Kumar the slightest chance, made quick work of the next two legs.

He won the third leg by a 100-point margin before taking out 107 in the fourth to seal the first set.

The second set was by far Bunting’s best.

He left Kumar trailing by 250 points in the opening leg before hitting a 132 to seal the second, and produced a sparkling display in the third to win back to back sets.

A similar story unfolded in the third set, and although Kumar fought back in the third leg, it wasn’t enough to stall the Merseysider, who wrapped up a 3–0 victory.

Post-match interview

Despite his impressive performance, Bunting broke down in tears during his post-match press conference following a week of online abuse aimed at him over recent comments about being “the people’s champion.”

Bunting said: “I didn’t say I was the people’s champ — that’s what Sky were calling me.

“I was just repeating what they said.

“I’ll let the people decide who the people’s champ is.”

Bunting added he doesn’t understand why so many players are already eyeing the trophy at this stage of the tournament.

He said: “There are people already talking about winning it when we’re only in the round of 32.

“It’s all about step by step, leg by leg, dart by dart.

“I’ve got the mentality to be able to do that, but also to switch off.”

When asked about his thoughts following his St Helens trio — Michael Smith and Dave Chisnall — being knocked out of the competition, he said: “There have been a few shocks to be honest.

“The standard gets better and better every year, even when you see the women coming through.

“It shows how much our sport is growing, and long may that continue.

“It’s going to be an upset if I win it, but I’ll be the happiest man in the world.”

Bunting will know face James Hurrell in the third round in an attempt to progress into the last 16.

Click here to see Stephen Bunting answer my question:

(Featured image by Alex Parker)