“I’m not a village idiot anymore. I’m here to win this title" - Stephen Bunting proves a point with Anderson ousting at World Matchplay

After the reaching the quarter-finals at the Winter Gardens, Stephen Bunting says has told Dartsnews.com he is no longer the “village idiot” and insists he is at the 2025 World Matchplay to win the title, not make up the numbers, after surviving a dramatic tie-break tussle with Gary Anderson on Tuesday night.

The 40-year-old came through a tense last-leg decider to reach the quarter-finals for just the second time at the Winter Gardens, defeating the 2018 champion 12–10 in a compelling and chaotic encounter.

It was a contest full of drama: Bunting missed double 12 for a nine-darter, surrendered and then reclaimed control, and ultimately produced a nerveless 118 checkout with Anderson poised to pounce. The St Helens man had trailed 6–4 earlier in the match but strung together a crucial four-leg burst to hit the front before back-to-back 13-darters from Anderson forced a second tie-break of the tournament.

Reflecting on the mental resolve that helped him edge through, Bunting was frank. “I’m not a village idiot anymore who comes here and has a laugh,” he said. “I’m here to win this title. I’d be fooling myself if I didn’t believe I could win it. I know how good I can be – I’ve got three good games in the tank, and I’ve had a great season already.”

Despite struggling to find his rhythm for large spells, Bunting believes coming through such a scrap can set him up perfectly for the longer format in the latter stages. “I didn’t feel myself for whatever reason – things didn’t go to plan. But to win when you’re not at your best shows character. I did everything right before the match – slept well, ate properly – but it just didn’t happen up there. That’s darts. It’s how you respond, and I believe I’m ready to go for the rest of the tournament.”

There were moments of brilliance amid the tension. A stunning burst saw Bunting move 8–6 ahead and come agonisingly close to perfection in leg 15, narrowly missing double 12 for a nine-dart finish. Anderson then surged back and even survived a match dart at 10–9 before Bunting held firm.

“It was close, to be fair,” Bunting said of the nine-darter. “If I had it back, I think it’d be further away! But I feel like I’m playing the best darts of my life – even in practice I’m hitting nines and constantly being on for the double. The game’s in a great place.”

A 118 finish in the final leg – after Anderson had threatened another great escape – sealed the win in style, and Bunting credited his growing mental strength for his composure under pressure. He’s worked extensively with hypnotherapist Chris O’Connor since his breakthrough triumph at the 2024 Masters, a moment Bunting pinpoints as the turning point in his career.

“I think two years ago I’d have capitulated at 10–10,” he admitted. “Now I’ve got that extra power to take a deep breath, relax, and get back to the oche and hit a big shot. That mental strength is going to stand me in good stead – not just for this tournament, but for everything going forward.”

“Chris has been a massive help. We did visualisation work before the Masters – imagining lifting the title – and then I actually won it. I see him every week or ten days, and I feel more relaxed, my sleep’s better, everything is improving.”

The mental shift has also brought a new level of professionalism to Bunting’s preparation. He described his tournament routine as almost scientific – from sleep schedules to mealtimes, family time to practice board rhythm – and warned that maintaining it will be crucial if he’s to go all the way in Blackpool.

“You have to get everything right – sleep, food, routine. If it’s working, don’t change it. I wasn’t good enough tonight, but I was good enough to win. I can’t afford another performance like that, so I’ll make sure I’m better next time.”

While pleased with the result, Bunting was disappointed by another slow start – an issue that has dogged both of his World Matchplay wins this week. “I don’t want to start slow. It frustrates me, because I know how quick I can be out the blocks. But there are so many good players here – if you give them an inch, they’ll take a mile. I’ve got to start fast, put my foot on their head and keep them under water. That’s the only way.”

The quarter-finals mark Bunting’s best showing in Blackpool since 2015, and with his confidence surging and his game in strong shape despite Monday’s dip in scoring, the former Lakeside champion believes this could be his moment.

“I want to win this title more than any – because it’s here and now,” he said. “I’ve beaten Luke Littler this year. I’ve just beaten Gary Anderson on one of the biggest stages in the world. I didn’t play my best, but it shows a lot. I’m not putting pressure on myself, but I know if I play my game, I’ve got a real chance.”