Premier League Darts: Stephen Bunting prepared and refocused for Glasgow on Night time Two after emotional return

Stephen Bunting admits his return to the Premier League has been an emotional one and he’ll hold cherishing each second of being a part of darts’ largest roadshow.

‘The Bullet’ has had a military of followers for a protracted whereas, his social media presence and stroll on to Sia’s ‘Titanium’ rising his following exponentially.

This rise in stardom has correlated with Bunting taking part in the most effective darts of his profession for the final 18 months, which has moved him as much as world No 5 and earned him his call-up to the Premier League for the primary time in 10 years.

His return to the elite competitors got here final week in Belfast and, throughout his walk-on, Bunting teared up on the sensible welcome he acquired from the gang, though he went on to lose the match 6-4 to Rob Cross.

The 39-year-old says he was blown away by the gang’s response to his arrival, however now that he has acquired that first walk-on out of the best way, he is able to “cherish” every week the match has to supply.

“It was very emotional. I expected it to be good but I didn’t expect it to be as good as it was,” Bunting mentioned.

“Simply the entire crowd all supporting me and getting behind me. It welled me up once I acquired on stage and the tears began flowing.

“It has been a 10-year journey to get again into the Premier League, so there was a variety of feelings working excessive anyway and it simply spilled over a bit.

“The nerves were still there in the game and unfortunately I didn’t get a win.

“Clearly the primary week there was no expectations and it was simply getting again into the massive venues with massive crowds and getting used to that once more.

“Now that I have had that monkey off my back, I am just really looking forward to the next few weeks.”

Heading into Night time Two in Glasgow, reside on Sky Sports activities on Thursday, Bunting faces the prospect of taking part in Michael van Gerwen in his quarter-final conflict.

Van Gerwen was a part of an all-time traditional Premier League match when he beat Luke Littler 6-5 in Belfast and the St Helens man is raring to point out why he is likely one of the worlds finest in opposition to the three-time world champion.

“I am massively looking forward to it. To be honest, I am looking forward to every single week that I play Premier League now,” Bunting added.

“I have got to cherish these moments, they are big moments in my career.

“Clearly MVG is a large participant. He wasn’t there in Wigan [at the Players Championship] this week so he might be properly rested.

“I am just raring to go, to get on the stage, and hear the ‘Bunting Army’ roaring me on.

“The feelings had been there the primary week. I’m certain I’ll nonetheless be a bit emotional with the walk-on and stuff however I’m used to that now and looking out ahead to pushing on and taking part in my darts.

“Beating Michael in the Masters was a massive part of my career. It was one of the best wins of my career to date and I cherish playing these big players.

“My sport is in an important place on the minute so to place my sport up in opposition to the most effective gamers on the planet is nice for me and I really feel like I’m top-of-the-line gamers on the planet on the minute.

“So I have just got to keep doing what I am doing, keep my feet on the floor, keep the emotions in check, and just look forward to the game.

“I’m certain the remaining will maintain itself.”

Watch the second night of Premier League Darts 2025 this Thursday from 7pm in Glasgow on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports+. Stream darts and extra high sport with NOW