05/07/2021

Bunting ends five year title drought with Players Championship 17 victory over Van den Bergh on Day One of PDC Super Series 5

Stephen Bunting has won his first title in five years and has provisionally sealed his spot at the World Matchplay after claiming victory on Day One of PDC Super Series Five (Players Championship 17) in Coventry.

It is a third PDC title for the St Helens ace who has been superb recently form wise with his back up against the wall with his aim being Blackpool and he looks to have achieved that after seeing off Dimitri van den Bergh 8-4.

His last title came in 2016 but the hard work has now paid off for 'The Bullet' who has added £10,000 and returned to the winners' circle.

Prize money breakdown for PDC Super Series 5 with £300,000 on offer

Bunting took first blood in the tie on double three before he hit a maximum only for Van den Bergh to reply to make it 1-1.

'The Bullet' though smashed his way through hitting back-to-back 180's and double five to make it 3-1 with a break.

Van den Bergh held to stay at 4-2 behind but Bunting himself regained his three leg cushion and extended this further missing double 12 for a nine-darter before composing himself for 6-2 on double six.

Van den Bergh broke back though and hit back-to-back maximums to make it 6-4 and consolidate. This was to give Bunting a tap on the shoulder.

But 'The Bullet' left 62 for a 7-4 lead with Van den Bergh sitting on 68 ready to pounce and he gave him a chance after missing one at double 10.

Van den Bergh missed double two from 68 though and Bunting was given a let off and went one away.

A trebleless turn in a tight leg was music to the ears of Bunting who thumped in a 180 to leave 64. Van den Bergh responded with a 180 but Bunting sealed it on double 20.