A “very emotional” Stephen Bunting paid tribute to his adoring army of fans after sending Josh Rock to the last 16 of the Grand Slam of Darts, admitting the support gives him an edge over the competition.
On a Tuesday night full of shocks as former winners Michael van Gerwen and Michael Smith were both knocked out, Bunting survived his direct shootout against the Rock to win 5-2 in front of a raucous Wolverhampton crowd.
“Listen to this crowd,” Bunting said Sky Sports after. “How can you not win in front of them? It’s unbelievable.”
Bunting has become one of the most famous and popular darts players and it was the claims that helped him get over the line on Tuesday that could equip him to move forward in the tournament.
“As soon as I came on stage tonight, you could hear them singing ‘Let’s Go Bunting Mental,'” he said.
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Michael van Gerwen was knocked out after losing a crucial leg against Ryan Joyce
“To be honest, it’s very emotional, I’m an emotional guy, so I had to check myself to make sure I wasn’t going to cry. I even had to tell Mark Webster. again.
“The crowd is exceptional and wherever I play now, I have my fans. They talk about it in football when you’re the 12th man, and it’s even more important for a player on the stage. It’s just you. who can bring out the play.
“Sometimes when things aren’t going well, a few cheers from the crowd can lift you up and that’s what happened tonight, I lifted the crowd.”
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Michael Smith has made an incredible 180 despite going three legs down against Mike De Decker in the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts.
The Grand Slam darts looks wide open after the exits of Smith and Van Gerwen ensured there are no previous winners in the last 16, and while the standards are high, Bunting is confident.
“I’m so happy to get through the death squad and who knows how far I can go,” he added. “This fan base is behind me, we can only go up and that’s where we’re going.”
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Luke Littler came agonizingly close to nine darts in the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.
Bunting feels ‘dangerous’ ahead of Anderson clash
In the next round on Thursday night, Bunting will play Gary Anderson, who won all three of his group matches, aiming to gain new confidence after his Masters victory earlier this year.
“I think the main thing is faith,” he said Sky Sports’ Emma Patton and Mark Webster on how she’s changed.
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Gary Anderson got his night off to an impressive start as he checked an impressive 140
“I believe that when I show up now, I can win games. I walk here and feel confident again. It makes me dangerous, and long may it continue.
“My game is in a great place. I like to play on TV. I love playing in front of this big crowd and long may it continue. I think I have quite a few years ahead of me.”
What’s next?
The tournament continues on Wednesday 13 November as the last 16 gets underway. Live on Sky Sports from 7pm.
Luke Littler will face Mike De Decker and Dimitri Van Den Berg will now face Jermaine Wattimena in the knockout stages. Ryan Joyce will compete against Gian van Wien, Gary Anderson against Stephen Bunting.
James Wade will face Cameron Menzies, Danny Knoppert plays Mickey Mansell, Martin Luckmann will compete against Ross Smith and Richie Edhaus will play Rob Cross.
The Grand Slam of Live Darts
Wednesday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m
