Stephen Bunting's inclusion in the 2026 Premier League Darts sparked online debate at the start of the season, but the St Helens thrower is quietly putting together a solid campaign against relentless elite opposition. After nine nights, Bunting sits on nine points—four more than he had at the same stage last year—with an overall average of exactly 100.00, underlining his level in the sport's most demanding weekly competition.
However, the table doesn't fully show the quality he has faced. In his last three appearances, Bunting has taken just two points, but the numbers behind those defeats tell a stark story. On Night 7 in Dublin, Bunting averaged 104.10 against Luke Littler and still lost 6-3, with Littler posting 105.07. A week later in Berlin, Bunting improved to 107.47, yet Littler edged him 6-3 despite a slightly lower 105.72 average.
In Manchester, Bunting finally saw things fall his way. Michael van Gerwen produced a 104.07 average, but Bunting's finishing proved decisive as he secured a 6-3 win, despite averaging 95.70 himself. The pattern continued later that night: Bunting's 106.66 average in the semi-finals would win most matches, but not against Gerwyn Price, who delivered one of the standout performances of the campaign with a huge 112.91 average to seal a dominant 6-2 victory.
With Brighton up next on 9 April, Bunting faces another immediate test. He is set to meet Luke Littler once again in his opening match, meaning another high-quality contest is almost guaranteed.
