“On Christmas Day I was in A&E with Theo until 2:30 in the morning” – Stephen Bunting opens up on difficult weeks behind the scenes

Stephen Bunting played the very last match of the opening round at the 2026 PDC Winmau World Masters on Friday night. Afterwards, he stood in front of the cameras, relieved and victorious as he addressed the press.

It was not sparkling, but he is in the second round. With a 3-1 win over Jeffrey de Graaf, ‘The Bullet’ took a first, hard-fought but important step in what he hopes will again become a strong Masters campaign.

“Sometimes you take that responsibility on,” Bunting said afterwards. “I felt great all day and then I got on stage and it just didn’t happen.”

The waiting appeared to have an effect on the Englishman’s performance. In the early stages Bunting did not look like himself. There was little rhythm, modest scoring and timing that did not quite fall into place. “I relaxed a bit in the middle of the game and started missing treble 20s,” he admitted. “My finishing was half decent. I don’t know what the average was at the end, but sometimes it’s more about the win than the average. I’m through to the next round and I can’t play that badly tomorrow.”

It was telling for the evening. Not top form, but enough control to pull the match towards him. The average meant little to him. “I don’t know what the average was at the end, but sometimes it’s more about the win than the average.”

The World Masters is played in a format that can be ruthless. Short sets leave little room to grow into a match, something Bunting knows better than most. “It definitely puts you more on edge. You can’t afford to slip up because they can take advantage straight away. It’s easy to lose two legs quickly. We’re normally used to best of 11, but I’m so used to this format now. I won the World Masters in the BDO, and I’ve won the Masters here. I feel really comfortable in it. For whatever reason tonight, it just didn’t happen. But we go again tomorrow.”

The timing of the match did not help. Bunting stepped onto the stage close to quarter to eleven, long after most players had completed their evenings. “You plan your day around it. I like getting to the venue about four hours before. I got here around quarter to six, maybe a bit early. I’m second on tomorrow night, so it’s earlier, and I’ll be fresher.”

His focus quickly turned to the next round, where Danny Noppert awaits. “It’s a tough game, but I’m looking forward to it. This is a tournament and a venue where I’ve got great form, and I’ve won a title here before.”

The contrast with recent weeks could hardly be greater. Bunting had only recently returned from World Series events in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

“Out of the fire and into the cauldron. The fans were in great voice tonight. I had some brilliant chants. I’m still loved by the crowd and on social media, which is unbelievable. I’m just enjoying the ride, enjoying playing darts, enjoying practice, and looking forward to what’s going to be a fantastic season.”

His management has long played a role in shielding him from outside noise.

“My management have looked after my DMs for the last two or three years. Certain things get through, but I’ve done really well to avoid a lot of it. It doesn’t matter to me. I’m in the Premier League, all the TV tournaments, the World Series. I’m 40, not getting any younger, but I still think I’ve got 10 great years left.”

He also took time to praise the growth of the sport itself.

“The sport is in great hands with the PDC. The production improves every year. The walk on, the stage, everything. We’ve got great people in great places and the sport is only going to go from strength to strength.”

When asked about the past few weeks, Bunting was candid.

“People don’t see what goes on behind the scenes. On Christmas Day I was in A&E with Theo until 2:30 in the morning. I’m not one for excuses, never have been, but it wasn’t easy and things didn’t go to plan in Wales.”

That, however, only strengthens his resolve.

“I’m really excited for the Premier League and the rest of the season. I know I need to work harder and do some things differently, and I’m willing to put that effort in. I’ve got great management, great family, great fans and unbelievable sponsors. They’re the people who keep me strong.”

Even a performance around a 98 average did not satisfy him.

“Of course. Sometimes the results weren’t there but the performances were. Our sport is getting better every year. Nothing is a given. If you don’t work hard, you get swept away. It’s about time I grew up and accepted that I need to put the work in. I’m ready to do that.”

This will be Bunting’s third Premier League campaign and that experience matters.

“I understand the pressures now. I know how good I played last year even though I didn’t win in the first eight weeks. If I play like that again, I can win those games this year. Nothing changes apart from doing a few things differently away from the oche and making sure I go into it fresh.”

He refuses to burden himself with expectation.

“If I don’t win the first eight, I’ll win the ninth. If I don’t win the ninth, I’ll win the 10th. One dart at a time, one leg at a time, one set at a time, one game at a time.”

Returning to this venue also carries emotional weight.

“I won my first PDC title here and I remember celebrating in the hotel bar afterwards. Those memories stay with you for life. To do it again would be special. I’ve got great experience and confidence. It won’t be for lack of trying.”

And his main goal for the year?

“To win a game in the Premier League.”