Stephen Bunting would quit darts instantly if it meant winning ultimate prize

Stephen Bunting has it all mapped out and it ends with World Championship glory.

‘The Bullet’ dreams of winning the big one at Alexandra Palace this year even if it meant calling time on his career.

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That hypothetical situation was presented to him in an exclusive interview with talkSPORT and Bunting was in no doubt about the outcome.

Putting it all on the line

Asked if he was to win the World Championship but it meant immediately retiring and never picking up a dart again, would he do it?

“Yeah, I think I want to win the World Championships that much,” Bunting said.

“You’ve completed it if you win the Worlds. For me, that’s the pinnacle.

“You can’t get any better than winning a World Championship. I believe I’ve still got ten years left in this sport.

“I’d love to win a World Championship and if that was the option, I’d choose it of course.”

Bunting is hoping to go one better than last year in reaching the final.

He suffered a crushing 6-1 defeat at the hands of eventual winner Luke Littler in the semi-finals but after a solid year on the circuit, the 40-year-old feels better prepared to launch a title offensive.

“I’m really looking forward to it to be honest,” he added. “I’m coming in as world No.4, playing some fantastic darts and I just can’t wait to get started.

“I’ll have a few days prep before it all kicks off but I’ll make sure I’m ready for that first game.

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“I think I’ve had a successful year so far. There’s been bits that I’ve not been happy with but winning a few World Series events, getting myself up to world No.4, competing in the Premier League and winning on the European Tour and the Pro Tour.

“A lot of things to smile about and just keeping myself positive as well.

“Even in defeats, not looking too much into it, taking the positives out of that game and then moving onto the next tournament.”

Ready for the Worlds

Bunting is looking forward to the festivities and excitement that comes with the World Championships and hopes he can give his fans something to cheer about.

“I think Ally Pally at Christmas time, driving up the hill to the venue, Seeing everyone dressed as traffic cones, Superman, Spiderman.

“It’s just a really great vibe. It’s a special venue, the fans there are always polite.

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“Thankfully, I’ve got a great fan base and it’s the best place ever to play darts.”

Bunting shares a good personal relationship with Littler and his family but knows all pleasantries will need to be put aside if the pair were to meet again this year.

And the St Helens native knows he will have to be at his very best to stop Littler picking up back-to-back titles.

“That was the plan last year (beating Littler), losing out to him in the semi-final and he goes on to win it,” said Bunting.

“He’s a fantastic player but there’s several fantastic players who are going to be there at Ally Pally.

“There’s only one person who can lift that trophy and I’ve just got to make sure my name is in that hat.

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“Whoever’s in my way needs to be demolished and I’ll be doing what I can between now and the world final to make sure of that.

“I’m in great shape, I’m playing my best darts. I’m mentally prepared and I want to make sure I give something to the Bunting army to cheer about and shout me home.”

Win The Ultimate talkSPORT Darts Experience

Up for grabs here are tickets to the PDC World Darts Championship.

Not only that, there is the chance to win exclusive access to the talkSPORT Darts Trophy on Wednesday 10 December, which sees presenters take on one another.

But the big prize is there are two tickets to the opening day of the PDC World Darts Championship on Thursday 11 December, plus two nights’ accommodation in London AND £2,500 cash!