"Well the dream debut at MSG didn’t go to plan.."- From dream to nightmare for Stephen Bunting in New York

Stephen Bunting already managed to win two World Series of Darts tournaments this year. 'The Bullet' was the best at the Bahrain Darts Masters and the Nordic Darts Masters, but last weekend he was unable to follow that up at the US Darts Masters.

Bunting, the current number four in the world, traveled to New York with high expectations. It was the 40-year-old's first time at the US Darts Masters and he was already secretly dreaming of another World Series title this year.

In the opening round, however, things immediately went wrong for Bunting. Against American Jason Brandon, last year's semi-finalist at the WDF World Championship, Bunting never really got into his game and eventually lost 6-4.

"Well the dream debut at MSG didn’t go to plan and I’m so disappointed. Had so many high hopes but it just didn’t happen. I always try and give 110% but for one reason or another I just didn’t have my best game up there. Maybe nerves, maybe the occasion… I’ll never shy away from a defeat and won’t make any excuses.

"Well played to Jason Brandon, he played some good darts and had me under pressure and I didn’t cope with it like I normally do. The 180 last leg really hit me where it hurts. My 170 was a small consolation from my time upon the stage.

"Maybe nerves, maybe the occasion.... I will never seek excuses for defeat and I will not apologize. Jason Brandon deserved the win, he played well and put pressure on me. I couldn't handle it like I normally do."

Bunting finally expressed a word of thanks. "Now to stop moping around and enjoy my last full day in New York before I leave for home tomorrow.

"Thanks again to the PDC for this wonderful opportunity, one that I will be hoping to do again in the near future. Thanks to all the fans who made the atmosphere in MSG unbelievable and really made me feel welcome on my debut .I’ve really missed my family this week and can’t wait to get back and see Keila, Theo and Toby."