"He's showed he’s not to be messed with, but I like messing with people" quips Stephen Bunting ahead of Luke Humphries World Matchplay clash
PDC
Stephen Bunting has no intention of allowing himself to be used as an interlude by Luke Humphries in the second round of the World Matchplay. The two Englishmen will fight each other Tuesday night for a spot in the quarter-finals.
ADVERTISEMENT
Bunting won on Sunday afternoon for the first time since 2019 on the Winter Gardens stage by dealing with Ryan Joyce (12-10) after extension. ''I was over the moon to get through. I went through so many emotions in that game," Bunting reflected in conversation with the PDC.
“There were certain times where I felt I could just place them in the treble, and then there were other times I felt I was throwing with my wrong hand! This is one of the biggest tournaments in the world, so if you don’t have those nerves in your stomach then you shouldn’t be playing darts.”
It had been a while since Bunting had won a match at the Winter Gardens. 'The Bullet' does not have a good record there anyway. It was only the third time in 10 appearances that he survived the first round. Then in 2019, that resulted in another quarterfinal berth.
“To play on these stages is truly a privilege, and I’m trying my best to win each and every event that I play in,” insisted the former Lakeside Champion. “I believe I’m playing the best darts of my life. Maybe I didn’t show it against Ryan, but I’ve got another opportunity on Tuesday now. Listen, I’m still in the tournament, so I’m dangerous!”
But on Tuesday night he faces the most dangerous dart player in the world. He faces the man who now has the World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts, Players Championship Finals and the World Darts Championship to his name. However, Bunting is not afraid of his compatriot, who impressed in the first round of the World Matchplay with a convincing 10-4 win over Martin Schindler with an average of almost 109.
ADVERTISEMENT
“Who doesn't look forward to playing the best players in the world on the biggest stages?” continued Bunting.
“As well as Luke Littler has done, I still believe Luke [Humphries] is the best in the world at the moment. He showed the other day with a 108 average that he’s not to be messed with, but I like messing with people!
“It’s about proving what I can do. I’ve beaten him on the big stage before, and I’ve done it over a long format. We’ve had some really good games over the last few months.
Stephen Bunting faces a tough task to reach the last eight at the World Matchplay for the second time in his career
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- He produced some impressive numbers in that qualifying campaign. I'm excited to see him compete at the World Championship once again, even if it will be difficult to replicate last year's success even with an improved performance, with the draw playing a huge role in determining his fortunes.Deduce635811-11-2026
- I often think about this very question. I think they should revive the format. They could even invite representatives from MODUS Super Series, with four series winners from the past year, and the ADC, with finalists from the Global Championship and perhaps other events. Why not throw in eligible representatives from the JDC and even the soft-tip game too?Deduce635811-11-2026
- So what if littler missed out, he doesnt have to enter everythingant10-11-2026
- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
- I'm disappointed he was not able to secure a spot at the Grand Slam. With Carl Sneyd taking care of Daryl Gurney, he would have had to beat Andy Boulton before facing the winner of Sneyd vs Mensur Suljović for a Grand Slam spot. Unfortunately, after beating Filip Bereza comfortably, he succumbed to Boulton, and the board would ultimately be won by the highly inconsistent Carl Sneyd. Since he could instead have been drawn against the likes of Cristo Reyes, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Stephen Bunting, I think once Gurney was out of the picture he would have been favourite to win his board, and it seems like a massive missed opportunity to put 5 grand on his ranking and seal another major TV appearance ahead of the Worlds. The highs and lows of following Raymond van Barneveld!Deduce635806-11-2026
- Probably i will receive a lot of backlash and hate for this reaction, but well, so be it. I am more than sick and tired of those lies of you Barry Hearn. How dare you defend yourself over the back of Fallon’s son! He has a disability and not an illness, so let me correct that for you! I know because I have the exact same disability. I have tried to reach out to Fallon in the past, and offered her to help her and her son, because I was struggling with the same problems, and I understood the boy. I wanted him to have finally someone who understood him. However she told me that she did not want my help, and I have respected Fallon’s choice. I have never asked Fallon for money. They don’t need money in that case. I only ever wanted the best for Fallon and Rory, but I have to be honest about the situation. Fallon should tell the true story and not be forced to tell lies. I don’t hate Fallon, and I don’t begrudge or envy a single penny that she gets, but this situation/case is just not fair. I hate the lies and the dishonesty and injustice. I don’t want Fallon to be hated because there is an unfair disadvantage created. Don’t proclaim your false lies over the back of Rory! I only stand for integrity and justice. I am precisely the one who always sticks up for Fallon. And you don't, you don't give a damn about them. You were never there for them, and now you only want to save your own position! You are just trying to talk your way out of your own bad behavior at the expense of someone with a disability. And to Fallon, I don’t know if this may ever reach you, and you read it, but I want you to know I love you and I love your son Rory very much, I am sorry how things developed and went. I hope you and Harriet are still friends. I am sorry if I were too persistent to you, or you experienced it that way, but it was never my intention. Please understand I have autism as well. As Barry Hearn would say, I am only just a human being too, and I also make mistakes and misjudge things sometimes. I promise you I did everything out of the deepest love and care for you and Rory. If I were you, I should just keep all the money, only please never be dishonest or tell lies anymore for Barry Hearn, or anyone else. I hope you have the best life, and I wish nothing more than the best for you. I have always loved the two of you. Farewell.Hiddo05-11-2026
- She is a professional. If darts is her income, she is a professional. Same as Adrian Lewis, Martin Adams. A tour card just means someone can play on the PDC tour. You could even make a case that Clayton wasn't a professional (until recently I believe) because he had employment elsewhere.BandB04-11-2026