‘Huge sigh of relief’ – Stephen Bunting told by commentator he is ‘fortunate’ to be in Premier League Darts

Wayne Mardle believes Stephen Bunting is lucky to have been chosen in the eight-man field for the 2026 Premier League Darts.

Bunting is set to make a second consecutive tournament appearance as a wildcard selection this year.

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Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, Michael van Gerwen, Jonny Clayton, Josh Rock and Gerwyn Price are also in the line-up.

The news comes after Bunting lost against James Hurrell in the third round of the World Darts Championship.

He claimed two wins on the European Tour during 2025, but former Premier League star Mardle is still surprised to see him included.

When reacting to the announcement on Sky Sports, commentator Mardle said: “I’m slightly surprised at Stephen Bunting, I just am.

“He’s had a decent enough year but not as good as some, in my opinion. He can consider himself a little fortunate.

“He didn’t play well in the Premier League… well no, that’s unfair. He played okay in the Premier League, results did not go his way, especially for the first eight weeks where he didn’t win a game.

“But we know the Premier League’s tough, we know that. But yeah, you can’t argue with any of them in terms of their ability, in terms of what they’re capable of.

“But Stephen Bunting will be the one that will breathe a huge sigh of relief.”

When asked who is unlucky to miss out, Mardle said: “I think Danny Noppert’s been really unlucky. He’s reached the semi-finals of four majors, four big TV events.

“Nathan Aspinall, I felt, had a squeak, maybe a squeak. But really, Danny Noppert, for me, is the one where I kind of feel that… what’s he got to do?

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“Won the UK Open a few years ago [2022]… okay, since then he’s got better and better, but maybe he’s got to reach a final, maybe he’s got to win one.

“But Stephen hasn’t done that this year and with the performances of last year, I thought that would have gone against him rather than for him.

“But he’s got a massive following, the Peoples’ Champion, don’t forget!”

Bunting appearances at Premier League Darts

The 2026 tournament will be Bunting’s third main appearance in the non-ranking event.

Bunting was one of six wildcard entries in his debut year in 2015, and finished eighth in the league stage.

He returned in 2020 as one of nine challengers, before earning a spot as a wildcard five years later.

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This year presents an opportunity for him to improve on his eighth-place finish in 2025.

Bunting will play his first match in the quarter-finals in Newcastle on February 5.