Stephen Bunting gained his second European Tour title of the yr with victory on the Swiss Darts Trophy in Basel.
The 40-year-old from Merseyside beat fellow Englishman Luke Woodhouse 8-3 within the closing.
Bunting claimed his sixth title of the season in Basel with an exemplary show over first-time finalist Woodhouse, in a recreation which noticed the Liverpudlian common virtually 104.
After lacking six darts at double within the opening leg, Bunting by no means seemed again and raced right into a 3-1 lead earlier than Woodhouse stopped the rot with a maintain of throw on double 9.
Nonetheless, Woodhouse couldn’t reside with the world No 4, who responded instantly with an 11-darter en path to a snug victory at St Jakobshalle.
“I’m playing the best darts of my life. I feel consistently that I’m delivering. I’m so happy with this win, it means a lot,” Bunting stated.
Earlier on Finals day, Bunting dropped simply 5 legs in seeing off Krzysztof Ratajski and Raymond van Barneveld.
The previous Masters champion then edged a thriller with Gian van Veen within the semi-finals, surviving a match dart to interrupt within the deciding leg after the younger Dutchman fought again from 4-0 down.
Bunting says he is taking part in the perfect darts of his life.
“I’m No 4 in the world. The rankings are over a few years so it shows how consistent I’ve been, but you can’t take anything for granted in this game,” Bunting stated.
“There’s so many good players in this world and to be in the top four in the world is an unbelievable achievement.
“I can not take my foot off the fuel, I have to carry on the follow board and maintain enhancing. Hopefully there is a huge match coming quickly.”
World No 1 Luke Humphries was beaten 6-4 by Ryan Searle in the afternoon session.
Sunday’s results
Afternoon Session
Round Three
Ryan Searle 6-4 Luke Humphries
Luke Woodhouse 6-2 Jermaine Wattimena
Jonny Clayton 6-3 Martin Schindler
Cor Dekker 6-5 Chris Dobey
Stephen Bunting 6-3 Krzysztof Ratajski
Raymond van Barneveld 6-0 Ritchie Edhouse
Gian van Veen 6-2 Ryan Joyce
Rob Cross 6-5 Danny Noppert
Evening Session
Quarter-Finals
Luke Woodhouse 6-5 Ryan Searle
Cor Dekker 6-5 Jonny Clayton
Stephen Bunting 6-2 Raymond van Barneveld
Gian van Veen 6-2 Rob Cross
Semi-Finals
Luke Woodhouse 7-3 Cor Dekker
Stephen Bunting 7-6 Gian van Veen
Final
Stephen Bunting 8-3 Luke Woodhouse
What’s next on Sky Sports?
The 2025 BoyleSports World Grand Prix will take place at the Mattioli Arena, Leicester, from October 6-12, as 32 of the world’s top stars compete in one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.
Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries are set to be joined by world champion Luke Littler in the field as well as defending champion Mike De Decker, who stormed to victory in 2024.
Sky Sports is the home of darts, including the World Grand Prix and Grand Slam of Darts. Stream darts contract-free with NOW.
