OPINION: Stephen Bunting was very lucky to maintain his Premier League spot.
Stephen Bunting did not do sufficient in 2025 to justify his Premier League spot (Picture: Getty)
Stephen Bunting should not be anyplace close to the Premier League after his sub-standard yr and it is a bit disappointing that he is been included within the line-up. The eight-strong checklist was confirmed on Monday afternoon, with Bunting being given certainly one of 4 wildcards by the PDC. Jonny Clayton, Josh Rock and Gerwyn Value may also participate within the Premier League this yr.
They’ve joined Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen and Michael van Gerwen to finish the line-up for 2026. These 4 gamers had already certified via being the highest-ranked throwers within the Order of Benefit. The choice picks at all times spark a debate however the inclusion of Bunting has actually left me scratching my head.
The event is meant to convey the easiest gamers collectively to offer the utmost degree of leisure for followers. Why, then, has Bunting been chosen?
He picked up the wood spoon in final yr’s Premier League, ending all-time low and dropping his first eight matches in a row. That alone ought to have been an indication to provide anyone else an opportunity in 2026.
To make issues worse, Bunting went no additional than the third spherical in his final six majors and was dumped out of the World Championship by James Hurrell, who was ranked 63rd.
Whereas he did have a robust marketing campaign away from the televised tournaments, profitable a number of Gamers Championship, European Tour and World Sequence occasions, that should not be sufficient to justify a spot within the Premier League.
These locations must be reserved for gamers who can carry out on the huge competitions, with Ryan Searle unfortunate to overlook out following his run to the semi-finals at Alexandra Palace.
The 40-year-old can rely himself fortunate that followers love his walk-on routine (Picture: Getty)
There’s, in fact, the leisure facet of the Premier League which seems to have taken precedence on this event.
Bunting is well-known for his walk-on routine and followers love belting out the lyrics to Titanium whereas the 40-year-old whips up the group and sings alongside himself.
Nonetheless, this alone should not be a cause for a participant to be chosen within the Premier League. Their performances on the oche ought to come first and it devalues the competitors to decide on the line-up primarily based merely on how ‘iconic’ a participant is.
Bunting’s inclusion sends a message to different gamers exterior the highest 4 within the Order of Benefit that regardless of how good you have been, you may be neglected in the event you’re not deemed an entertainer. That is the incorrect message to ship and is not truthful, in my view.
The Premier League is a totally completely different beast from a string of standalone tournaments, with gamers required to journey relentlessly and carry out to a excessive commonplace on a weekly foundation.
Bunting hasn’t proven that he’s able to doing that over the past 12 months and his choice is, respectfully, a disgrace for these wishing to see top-quality darts take precedence over elaborate walk-on routines.
Match schedules, scores, gamers updates and majors information plus chosen gives and competitions Subscribe Invalid e mail
We use your sign-up to offer content material in methods you have consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This will embody adverts from us and third events primarily based on our understanding. You’ll be able to unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
I actually haven’t got something towards Bunting, who looks like a stunning bloke, however he’ll want to enhance massively to point out that his Premier League choice was the proper name.
Keep up-to-date with the newest Darts information Be part of us on WhatsApp
Our group members are handled to particular gives, promotions, and adverts from us and our companions. You’ll be able to take a look at at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
Leave a Reply