In an exhilarating night of Premier League Darts in Berlin, Stephen Bunting celebrated his first win of the season by defeating Gerwyn Price, marking a significant comeback after an eight-week winless streak. This victory, achieved with a fantastic nine-darter in practice leading up to the matches, included thrilling victories over Nathan Aspinall and Luke Humphries as Bunting triumphed in a dramatic final showdown.
The reigning champion, Luke Littler, made headlines as he aimed to secure an unprecedented fifth nightly win this season. However, he faced an unexpected defeat against Chris Dobey in the quarter-finals, ending his pursuit of history with a disappointing performance.
Bunting Ends Lost Streak
After a long wait, Bunting finally secured his first Premier League win of the season with a commanding performance against Aspinall, finishing with an average of 103.4. “It’s unbelievable, a pinch-me moment,” Bunting remarked about his long-anticipated victory. “I’ve been working so hard behind the scenes, and thankfully I’ve got a win. I’m so happy.”
Bunting demonstrated his prowess by defeating Humphries in the semi-finals 6-2, showcasing an average of 95.66 and hitting three 180s.
Leveraging a bye after Michael van Gerwen’s injury, Price advanced to the final comfortably, before facing Bunting. A tense showdown concluded with Bunting landing a remarkable 107 checkout in the deciding leg, securing his victory over Price.
Bunting expressed, “This is such a special moment. There were times I questioned whether I could finish with zero points. Winning tonight is a phenomenal feeling.”
Littler’s Uncharacteristic Defeat
In a surprising turn of events, reigning champion Luke Littler faced a setback against Chris Dobey, who capitalized on missed doubles to win 6-2. Dobey averaged 93 and hit six of eleven doubles, marking the first instance this season where Littler fell by such a margin.
Littler struggled, completing only 15 percent of his doubles (2/13), a stark contrast to his usual performance. Analysts noted that this was a significant drop for the young star.
Injury Withdrawals
Michael van Gerwen withdrew from the event citing a shoulder injury just before the matches began. This decision impacted the tournament, allowing Price to receive a bye into the semi-finals.
Upcoming Matches
The action continues on April 10 at the AO Arena in Manchester, featuring a highly anticipated match between Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price. Fans can expect thrilling performances as the Premier League Darts progresses.
