"I'm not coming here for a holiday": Stephen Bunting bullish about title prospects at World Matchplay

Stephen Bunting is determined to put in his best performance ever at this year's World Matchplay. The Englishman is preparing for an exciting clash with Jonny Clayton in the quarter-finals on Thursday. If Bunting beats the Welshman, 'The Bullet' will be in the last four for the first time at this tournament.

Bunting reached the quarterfinals after a tie-break victory over Gary Anderson in the second round. After falling behind 6-4, Bunting won six of the next seven legs, putting him on the verge of victory. Anderson still fought back, before Bunting finally prevailed after extension.

“I’ve got so much respect for Gary. He’s such a great champion and to play him on this iconic stage was a privilege,” reflected Bunting. "For whatever reason things didn’t go to plan in terms of my performance, but I was just thankful to find the right darts at the right time."

Bunting, who missed double 12 midway through the match for a nine darter, closed the match with a 112 finish on tops. “I felt so, so nervous, but to pick up wins when you’re not at your best shows a bit of character."

Blackpool is not the happiest hunting ground for Bunting, who in 10 previous appearances made it to the quarter-finals only once at the Winter Gardens. But the former Lakeside champion is a different player these days, as evidenced by his four titles in 2025.

“I feel like I’m playing the best darts of my life at the moment,” continued. "I’m not putting too much pressure on myself, but I know if I play my best game, I’ve got a great chance of going all the way."

The 40-year-old Bunting, who is the highest ranked player in the top half of the schedule, is seen as an outsider for the title. Clayton, James Wade and Gian van Veen are the other contenders still in the race at this end of the bracket. “I want to win this title more than any, because it’s here and now.”

If Bunting wins the Phil Taylor Trophy on Sunday, he will rise to third in the world rankings. Currently, "The Bullet" is still more than a ton of prize money behind Van Gerwen. The darter from St. Helens is determined and confident about his chances of winning the title. “I’m thinking about winning it. I’m ready to do it," declared Bunting.

“I know how good I can be, and I know that there’s three good games in the tank. I’ve got my family here, but I’m not coming here for a holiday. I’m coming here to win this title.

“I’ve had a great season so far. I’ve won so many titles already, so I’d be fooling myself if I didn’t think I could come here and win it.”