Stephen Bunting he got his 2025 PDC World Darts Championships winning start in Alexandra Palace on Friday afternoon. Recovering from defeat, Bunting fought back to defeat Kai Gotthardt 3-1 before the special guest in the match Pally’s ally crowd.
After a somewhat slow start with ‘The Bullet’ in the opening set, the reigning Masters champion, considered by many to be a dark horse in the fight for the World Darts Championship title, advanced in set 2 with a decisive stage before racing to the finish with a much improved performance in sets 3 and 4.
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However, Bunting’s main topic of discussion later was global music star Ed Sheeran, who appeared to be enjoying himself among the crowd at Alexandra Palace during the afternoon session. “I had some ‘bad habits’ in the game,” Bunting later joked, cheekily referencing one of the singer’s hits when asked about Sheeran Sports boom at the post-match press conference. “My manager told me earlier he was here and I was shocked.”
“I must have something about ginger. I’ve hosted Prince Harry here before, now Ed Sheeran,” added Bunting with a smile. “It’s amazing. I’m a big fan of his too, even though he supports Ipswich, he’s healthy.”
Bunting in action
“Honestly, I’m surprised he won’t come over to interrupt the interview,” Bunting joked, referring to Sheeran’s recent appearance on Sky Sports Football during Ipswich Town’s (a team owned by Sheeran’s minority owner) Premier League match against Manchester United at Portman Road. – But it would be really nice to meet him.
While Bunting himself didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Sheeran, his son in the crowd was lucky enough to have a moment with the superstar. “I’m a huge fan of his music. Some of his songs come to mind,” says Bunting. “My boyfriend spent a few moments with him, which he will tell me about on the way home. We need celebrities to watch us. It really motivates us when we are on that stage.”
