Stephen Bunting he was the best at the Masters earlier this year, which immediately became his first major title in his career. The 39-year-old Englishman starts this year’s Darts World Championships as the eighth seed, although he also knows that eyes will mainly be on his compatriot.
That compatriot is Luke Littler. The 17-year-old Englishman surprised the darts world earlier this year by reaching the final of the World Darts Championship as a non-Tour Card holder. He ultimately lost 7-4 to Luke Humphries in the final, but Littler later only confirmed all the good things that had been said about him. For example, in his debut year on the Pro Tour, he won a whopping 10 titles, including major titles such as the Premier League Darts and the Grand Slam of Darts.
“What Luke has done for our sport in such a short space of time is just amazing and his name is on everyone’s lips,” Bunting told Sky Sports.
“He is a megastar who took our sport to the highest levels. We’ve been there before when it comes to Premier League football statistics, but this is on another level.
Luke Littler was the finalist who lost in the Players Championship final late last month.
“I notice it when I go shopping and little kids ask me for autographs and photos, which has never happened before. “It just shows how Luke’s success is contributing to the decline in the number of darts fans.”
Bunting himself is exempt from the first round of this year’s World Darts Championships as series eight leader. He then faces the winner of the fight between Alan Soutar and Kai Gotthardt. This could be one of the last World Cups at Alexandra Palace, as PDC chairman Barry Hearn has repeatedly announced he is looking forward to a larger venue that can meet ticket demand.
“I think it would be sad to leave Ally Pally as it is an incredible place to play darts,” Bunting said.
“You go there every year and you see people dressed up as Christmas trees, Batman and Robin. It’s a special place for the players, officials and fans, it’s just a special place.”
