Stephen Bunting choked back tears in his post-match interview (Image: ITV)
was overcome with emotion and choked back tears as he continued his rise in the world of darts by clinching the World Series title in Bahrain.
The Bullet put on a spectacular performance, securing the title with an 8-4 final victory over Gerwyn Price on Friday night.
Bunting confessed that there were moments when he doubted his ability to return to the top, especially after a period of struggle, before his resurgence last year.
He became emotional when he admitted: “To be away from the family is hard.” However, he went on to add: “I’m lost for words. I’m playing the best I’ve ever played, more consistent, believing I can win titles.
“Coming off the back of the semi-finals in the Worlds, I’ve come in full of confidence. From where I was last year to up in World No.5, I’ve got a lot of people to thank for that. It all definitely helps to the rise of Stephen Bunting.
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“It’s taken a lot of hard work. The hypnotherapy behind the scenes, the psychology in the past, from feeling down in the dumps to being World No.5 is an incredible feeling.”
“It’s made me really strong, to be honest. To go from where I was to where I am now. I’ve got a great team behind me. Hopefully, the only way up.”
Bunting triumphed over Chris Dobey and World No.1 Luke Humphries before defeating Price, who had dashed the hopes of newly-crowned world champion Luke Littler in the quarter-finals.
Price is confident he’s returning to peak form after narrowly missing out on a nine-darter against Littler and then dominating Peter Wright in his semi-final before losing to Bunting.
Price said: “I know my game is going in the right direction. Stephen’s been playing fantastic for the last 12, 18 months. I missed a couple of opportunities in there.
??????️ “To be away from the family is hard.”?????? A visibly emotional Stephen Bunting after winning the Bahrain Darts Masters | |
— ITV Sport (@ITVSport)
“He took out some big checkouts, which obviously put me under pressure. I was always chasing him. But around the corner, I think I’ll get him back.
“Apparently me and Nathan [Aspinall] weren’t supposed to be in the , but I think this weekend we’re probably the two best players, apart from Stephen in the final.
“I mean, we all have little blips. People can write us off, but I’ll come back fighting stronger than ever. I know the talent I’ve got. I know that I’m always improving week on week.
“It’s nice to get to the final, but I wanted that trophy. I’ve lost in the semis. I’ve lost in the final twice. I’ll get it next time.”