“I’ve been walking around like PC Plod for 12 months” – Bunting credits Premier League resurgence to new shoes

Stephen Bunting has offered a striking explanation for his recent resurgence in the Premier League Darts. According to the Englishman, a change of shoes played a bigger role than expected in his strong display in Belfast, where he claimed his first nightly win of the season.

The world number seven is known for his eye-catching footwear on stage, but admitted he had been playing with the wrong pair for a long time. After switching to a smaller size, he immediately noticed a difference in his game. “Yeah size 11. My feet are shrinking,” Bunting said with a smile on the Double Tops podcast. “I think I bought the wrong size when I first bought them and I’ve been walking around like PC Plod for 12 months. So, yeah, happy that I’ve got shoes that fit me now and they’ve paid off. So I might treat myself to another pair.”

Bunting endured a difficult start to the Premier League, losing his first three matches, but the tide turned in Belfast. With strong play he took the weekly title and put himself back in the frame for the play-off race. In the most recent round in Cardiff he was close again, but lost 6-5 to Gerwyn Price after missing match darts. Still, the Englishman feels his form has returned.

According to Bunting, it wasn’t just the equipment that helped, but also a change in his on-stage attitude. Advice from former footballer John Terry played a part. “I think he is right. I think I do need to get a bit more angry. I showed a bit of emotion when I was hitting the doubles and the big finishes, I was giving it the fist pump and stuff. I think he gave me a kick up the bottom, to be honest. It really did help me pull me through."

The victory in Belfast was an important mental boost for Bunting, who was still on zero points after three weeks of play. He has since fought his way back into the competition and feels confident again for the rest of the season. “From being on zero points, I’m now on five points. It’s a massive confidence boost, and it’s a great confidence builder going forward for the rest of the season."

The Englishman admitted that some had questioned his inclusion in the Premier League beforehand, but he believes he has now shown that he belongs at the highest level.

“I think it means the world to me. I’m super proud that I’m part of this Premier League. Some people doubted that I should be in it. I think that was just a bit of emotion. I’ve proved to everyone, the critics and everything, that I do belong in it."

Bunting will be back in action in the Premier League this Thursday, when the next night is staged in Nottingham. A quarterfinal against Josh Rock awaits, as the Englishman looks to maintain his good form.