"I’m still number seven in the world, I’m still a top player": Stephen Bunting not listening to noise and Premier League criticism

Stephen Bunting stands on the eve of another Premier League campaign. Although his selection came under heavy fire on social media, he is once again among the eight players who will battle over the coming months for the top prize of £350,000. Bunting looks ahead with confidence to the darts roadshow that will travel across Europe in the coming weeks.

For the 40-year-old Englishman, a long-standing fixture in the global elite, it mostly feels like a relief that it is finally here. “I’ve not listened to too much noise, to be honest,” Bunting says. “It’s all about fully concentrating on what I need to do.” And that is exactly where ‘The Bullet’ is strongest: not in big words, but in calm, focus and an unshakeable belief in himself.

While recent weeks have seen plenty of debate about selections, omissions and surprises, Bunting has deliberately stayed away from the noise around the Premier League Darts. “I’ve been on the practice board over the last few weeks, tweaking a few things, feeling good, feeling confident and ready to go,” he explains.

Bunting’s selection for the Premier League Darts drew plenty of reaction, but he remains level-headed. “The Premier League always throws up surprises, doesn’t it?” he says. “I’m still number seven in the world, I’m still a top player in the world and I’m in it, so that’s all I can say on that.”

It typifies his attitude: no need to defend himself, no urge to silence critics. The people who truly drive him are closer to home. “The people who motivate me are the people who are important in my life — my family, my management, my sponsors and the fans,” Bunting explains. “I try and stay away from the negative noise and focus more on the positive.”

For Bunting, this Premier League edition feels very different to his previous appearance. Last year marked his return after a ten-year absence. “When I went into it last year it was ten years since I played,” he recalls. “That was a long, long time to remember all the rigmarole and everything that goes on.”

This time, familiarity brings calm. “It’s pretty much fresh in the mind now,” he says. “I know all the venues, know what to expect, know what to expect on media day.” As a result, his outlook is simple. “I’m just really looking forward to more of the same, to be honest.”

Bunting was largely satisfied with his performances last year, even if the results didn’t always reflect it. “I felt like my performances last year were quite good,” he says. “I just didn’t get the results in some of the games.”

He dismisses the idea that external debate fuels him. “No, not really,” he says. “The people who motivate me are the people who are important in my life.” That mindset is deliberate and deeply ingrained. “As long as I’m playing with a smile on my face, I know I’m giving it 110%. That’s what it’s all about for me.”

Bunting is known for his approachability and has no intention of changing. “Whether you see me in a supermarket or whether you see me on stage, I’m the same person,” he says. “I’ll never ever change, no matter how much money is in my bank account. I’ll always stay the same, humble and down to earth.” If that attitude keeps him among the elite, he’s content. “If that gets me in the Premier League for the next 10 years, I don’t care.”

Although he acknowledges his averages are not quite where they were last year, Bunting remains relaxed about it. “I still think I’m playing to a high standard,” he says. “Maybe not average-wise as what I was last year, but I’ve been working away at home, working really hard and making sure that I get to the levels that I was at last year and better.”

Psychologically, he recognises the value of a strong start, but without exaggerating its importance. “I think it’s important to try and get off to that winning start,” he says. “I wouldn’t say it’s the end of the world if it goes not as well as what I want.”

One striking aspect of Bunting’s last Premier League campaign was that disappointing results there didn’t spill over into other tournaments. “I analysed my performances a lot last year,” he explains. “There were games where I was losing but I was still averaging over 100, so I knew that the performances were good.”

That understanding helped him keep perspective. “You can’t win every single game — you’re playing against the best players in the world,” he says. “There’s going to be highs and lows, but as long as the highs outweigh the lows then I’ll be in a good place.”

According to Bunting, the Premier League has lost none of its prestige. “The Premier League is definitely still up there as one of the most elite competitions that we play in,” he insists. “The World Championship will always be the pinnacle of our sport, but I want to win every title I play for, regardless.”

His focus is clear. “I’ve got 16 weeks in the Premier League,” he says. “Hopefully 16 great weeks — and then I’ll think about everything else.”

After a busy spell that included World Series events in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, followed by the Masters, Bunting feels refreshed. “I feel really fresh, to be honest,” he says. “I’ve topped up on my hypnotherapy, I’m up early anyway with Theo most mornings, and I just can’t wait to get going.”

A tough task awaits on opening night against Michael van Gerwen, and Bunting knows exactly what lies ahead. “It’ll be a difficult game,” he admits. “Michael’s a fantastic dart player, but so is every other player in the Premier League. You don’t get in the Premier League by a fluke.”

Still, he believes in his chances. “If I play to my best ability, then I have a chance.”

Bunting also knows what he has achieved before. “I was top four for nine or ten months,” he says. “The ranking changes after the World Championship elevated a lot of players ahead of me, and that was in my own hands — I needed a really good run.”

Now, his attention is fixed firmly forward. “This is the start of the season now,” he says. “The Premier League, all eyes on that. I’ll be trying my best.”