"It's about time to turn them big averages into big wins" - Stephen Bunting dumps out Peter Wright to reach knockout stages of the Grand Slam of Darts

Stephen Bunting successfully made into the knockout stages of the Grand Slam of Darts of Tuesday night. In the process, the former Lakeside champion ended the hopes of Peter Wright.

“When you’re playing on stage against a legend like Peter it’s always difficult,” Bunting told Sky Sports immediately following the 5-3 win over 'Snakebite'. “Everyone is questioning Peter’s form at the minute, but he’s one of the best players in the world, and every time I play him it’s always a huge battle. I held it together well and I’m so happy to be through to the next round. I’ve put a lot of hard work in behind the scenes, so this is a special moment.”

This is actually the first time since 2018 that Bunting has made it to the knockout stages of the Grand Slam of Darts. On that occasion, Dimitri van den Bergh ended his hopes in the last 16. Now, some five years later, it's Danny Noppert who stands in his way but this time Bunting is arguably playing the best darts of his life.

"I've spoken a lot about my form, about the change of darts and how I'm feeling a lot more consistent and feel a lot more composed," Bunting elaborates in his post-match press conference. "I think you can see that on the averages and in the way I've performed the last six to seven months."

"Listen, it's good enough talking about the high averages and things but I'm not winning tournaments so it's about time to turn them big averages into big wins," concludes 'the Bullet'. "I'm trying the best I possibly can to make make that happen."