"Gary Anderson's not at the level he was four or five years ago" - Stephen Bunting senses opportunity in World Matchplay dream match

Stephen Bunting believes he is playing the best darts of his career after kicking off his 2025 World Matchplay campaign with a hard-fought 11-8 victory over Ryan Joyce on Sunday night in Blackpool, as he told Dartsnews.com post-match.

The world number four, who required a tie-break to beat Joyce in round one 12 months ago, looked set for a more straightforward night this time around when he opened up an 8-4 lead. But after missing out on a potential nine-darter and allowing Joyce to level at 8-all, Bunting needed to dig deep. He found a timely 11-dart leg to halt the momentum and eventually crossed the line to book a blockbuster second-round tie with Gary Anderson.

“The start of the game was very weird—I just couldn’t get going,” Bunting admitted. “I was playing so well in the practice room, but for the first 10 legs I just wasn’t in it. Toward the back end I found my form, started hitting trebles, and that gave me the confidence to go on and win the game.”

A near-miss at a nine-dart finish proved a turning point, with Joyce capitalising soon after. Bunting admitted the failed attempt lingered in his mind. “Of course it affects you,” he said. “You want to hit it for the fans, your family, your management, your sponsors. I’ve been hitting them in practice and I’ve hit one on the Pro Tour, but I feel better than ever now—more consistent. To average 98 and be disappointed shows where my game’s at.”

Bunting was well aware of the chaos unfolding around him on day two in Blackpool, with all four seeds losing in the afternoon session. “I’m number four in the world—I want to stay there,” he said. “I want to be in the Premier League next year, I want to win world titles. I’ve given myself ten years in this game, and I want to make sure the best version of Stephen Bunting turns up every week.”

The next step in that journey will see him take on two-time world champion Gary Anderson in round two—a clash Bunting is relishing. “Gary’s a fantastic player. He’s won this before, and he’s a legend in both the PDC and BDO. He might not be at the level he was four or five years ago, but he’s still very dangerous. If I don’t play my best, I’ll be going home.”

Despite not boasting the strongest of records at the Winter Gardens in previous years, Bunting believes he’s arrived at this year’s tournament in his best shape yet. “Confidence-wise, definitely. I feel on top of the world. I’ve won so many titles this year, finished runner-up in a few World Series events, and I’m number one on the Pro Tour. Now I need to start playing like I’m world number four.”

After squandering his earlier lead against Joyce, Bunting found himself under real pressure—but joked that some added motivation from home helped him find another gear. “At 8-all, I just had visions of the missus smacking me round the head,” he laughed. “My two sons are here, they’ve travelled a long way, and I didn’t want to let them down. I’ve booked in for the week—ten days provisionally. I don’t want to go home yet.”

Bunting, whose father is currently in hospital, also dedicated his victory to him. “I know he’ll be watching tonight. Unfortunately he can’t be here this week, but I’d love to win it for my dad.”

The Liverpudlian’s mental strength has come a long way in recent years. After working with a hypnotherapist—who also helps UFC’s Tom Aspinall and snooker star Kyren Wilson—Bunting credits much of his turnaround to the work he’s done off the oche.

“The hypnotherapy is all about emptying the bucket and making sure I’m the best version of myself. It’s really helped, especially over the last two, two-and-a-half years. After ten days working with him, I won the Masters. That’s no coincidence.”

Having endured a tough run in the Premier League earlier this year—losing in the first round of the first eight events—Bunting rebounded to win a night, then lifted titles on both the European Tour and World Series. He believes his resilience is now one of his biggest strengths. “There aren’t many players who could lose eight straight Premier League games and still go on to win one. That shows the never-say-die attitude I’ve got. It’s all about bouncing back. I’ve had times where I thought about walking away from the sport. Now I’m enjoying every moment of it.”

Bunting also paid tribute to the support he’s built around him—both professionally and personally. “I’ve got a great team, a lovely family, and they push me every single day to be the best version of me. That’s so important.”

Looking ahead to his clash with Anderson on Tuesday night, Bunting is hoping to ride the wave of crowd support he felt on Sunday. “The support I’ve had tonight was exceptional. I had 50 or 60 people chasing me down the street before the game. It makes me feel extra special. The fans, my family, the sponsors—they’re all part of the Bunting process.”

Even an ill-timed whistle from the crowd during a key moment couldn’t derail his focus. “You get idiots everywhere, it’s just one person. Maybe he was whistling at a nice lady, I don’t know! But when it happens while you’re throwing for a double, it can be frustrating. Thankfully I was able to refocus and get over the line.”

Despite a long road still ahead, Bunting isn’t getting carried away with talk of titles—though he did reflect on how meaningful a win in Blackpool would be. “If I won the Matchplay, it’d be the biggest title of my life,” he said. “I don’t even know how I’d celebrate. I might go on The Big One to be fair—but for now, it’s just about enjoying being here, taking it one game at a time, and getting ready for the next challenge.”

And should things not go to plan? “I’ve just bought a caravan in Prestatyn, so if it all goes wrong, I’ll be heading there. But hopefully, I’m staying in Blackpool for the foreseeable.”