Seasonal average of 100 and still losing ground – Stephen Bunting’s brutal Premier League Darts reality

Stephen Bunting’s inclusion in the 2026 Premier League Darts sparked a lot of online debate at the start of the season. Many questioned whether ‘The Bullet’ had earned his place or not, but the St Helens thrower is quietly putting together a solid campaign against relentless opposition from the world's elite.

After nine nights, Bunting sits on nine points, already four more than he had at the same stage last year. His overall average stands at exactly 100.00, underlining the level he is producing in the sport’s most demanding weekly competition.

What the table does not fully show, however, is the quality he has faced. The toughest examination in darts is proving to be a very brutal campaign for the former Lakeside champion.

In his last three appearances, Bunting has taken just two points, but the numbers behind those defeats tell a very different story.

On Night 7 in Dublin, Bunting averaged 104.10 against Luke Littler and still lost 6-3, with ‘The Nuke’ posting 105.07. A week later in Berlin, it was more of the same. Bunting improved again to 107.47, yet Littler edged him 6-3 despite a slightly lower 105.72 average.

In Manchester, Bunting finally saw things fall his way. Michael van Gerwen produced a 104.07 average, but this time Bunting’s finishing proved decisive as he secured a 6-3 win, despite averaging 95.70 himself.

The pattern continued later that night. Bunting’s 106.66 average in the semi-finals would win most matches, but not against Gerwyn Price. ‘The Iceman’ delivered one of the standout performances of the campaign with a huge 112.91 average to seal a dominant 6-2 victory.

With Brighton up next on 9 April, Bunting faces another immediate test. He is set to meet Littler once again in his opening match, meaning another high-quality contest is almost guaranteed.