Stephen Bunting (Photo by Kieran Cleeves/PDC)
Stephen Bunting ended his Premier League campaign on a high as he secured his second nightly win with victory in Sheffield.
With Finals Night at London’s The O2 on May 28 already confirmed, pride was on the line for the eight Premier League stars at the Utilita Arena.
Bunting put together arguably his best string of performances in this year’s tournament – seeing off three next week’s Finalists in Jonny Clayton, Gerwyn Price and Luke Humphries.
“I felt great all night,” confessed the 41-year-old.
“I’ve really enjoyed myself. It’s been a lot better than last year I believe. I’ve got a lot more confidence and a lot more belief.
“I’ve played some fantastic darts tonight and I’m just so proud of myself.”
In an electric final, Bunting averaged 106.37 and landed seven 180s as he blitzed Luke Humphries 6-2.
This backed up a 6-3 victory over Jonny Clayton in the night’s opener, and a dismantling of Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals by the same scoreline.
The victory pushed Bunting to fifth in the table on 18 points, usurping Michael Van Gerwen and Gian Van Veen – also on 18 points – on overall nights won.
“I feel like I’ve played a great tournament. Obviously people wrote me off, but I’ve finished fifth, I’ve dug deep and got two nightly wins,” added Bunting.
“Tonight I wanted to make a statement. I want to be in the Premier League for years to come, and we’ll see what happens for the rest of the year, but that was a massive statement tonight for me.
“This game is all about confidence. When you’re in the Premier League you’re playing against the best players in the world week in, week out. It’s been difficult, but I’ve really enjoyed it.”
Humphries run to the final, seeing off Van Gerwen 6-5 in his opening game before a statement 6-1 victory over Luke Littler in the semi-finals, means he will now face Clayton at The O2 after finishing third in the table.
Price’s semi-final defeat to Bunting means he slipped to fourth in the overall standings, and will now face Luke Littler in London for a place in the Final on May 28.
Earlier in the night, the Welshman averaged 106 in overcoming Gian van Veen 6-2, which saw the Dutch number one finish in seventh spot, while table-topper Littler edged past Rock in a last-leg decider to finish the season on 43 points, nine clear of his closest rival Clayton.
The Premier League Finals will take place at The O2 next Thursday, with Littler up against Price in the evening’s opener, before Clayton and Humphries go head-to-head in the second semi-final.
RESULTS
Quarter-Finals
Stephen Bunting 6-3 Jonny Clayton
Gerwyn Price 6-2 Gian van Veen
Luke Littler 6-5 Josh Rock
Luke Humphries 6-5 Michael van Gerwen
Semi-Finals
Stephen Bunting 6-3 Gerwyn Price
Luke Humphries 6-1 Luke Littler
Final
Stephen Bunting 6-3 Luke Humphries
