Stephen Bunting has hit back at his critics with a Premier League night win in Belfast, besting Gian van Veen in the final.
Bunting has had a slow to his Premier League campaign for the second season on the bounce, but he was back to his brilliant best on Thursday evening – and he had looked unstoppable while dispatching of Luke Humphries and Jonny Clayton.
Van Veen, on the other hand, had overcome Josh Rock – who nailed an amazing nine-darter – and Gerwyn Price en route to his spot in the final. The Dutchman had the darts, but he was broken in the opening leg by Bunting.
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And the Bullet continued his scorching hot form into the second leg, nailing 168 to set up D8, which he hit with his third, and final, dart.
Van Veen would finally claim his first leg when he was back on throw, taking out 70 – but Bunting was still looking the better player. However, Van Veen still had more gears to hit.
And just as Van Veen was looking to get back into the clash, Bunting produced a magnificent ton plus finish. It wobbled Van Veen, who missed two darts at a double allowing the Bullet to hit D18.
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The Dutchman needed something big, and he nailed to T20s on the big fish, but couldn’t hit the bull. It allowed Bunting to hit his double and move within one leg.
There was still time for Van Veen to take another leg, but he was facing an uphill battle. And Bunting confirmed the win with a dart at tops.
Speaking after the win, he said: “Last year – losing seven or eight games on the bounce – really helped me. It gave me a lot of experience in this field.
“When you are playing in the Premier League, you are facing the best of the best.
“I am overjoyed by this win. It will rank up there win one of my best wins.”