‘Maybe I need to rein it in’ – Stephen Bunting reveals he broke down in tears during World Darts Championship walk-on
DARTS fan favourite Stephen Bunting has admitted he shed a tear during his Ally Pally walk-on.
The 39-year-old booked his place in the PDC World Championships last-16 with a 4-1 victory over Madars Razma on Friday night.
Bunting received a hero’s welcome from a packed out crowd at Alexandra Palace.
The Bullet averaged 100.06 as he set up a last-16 showdown with Luke Woodhouse.
He was unrelenting on the trebles, eclipsing 140+ on 28 of his visits.
Prior to the contest, Bunting was accompanied as usual during his walk-on by David Guetta’s 2011 hit Titanium.
The crowd continued to belt out the track even after the DJ had faded out the music – leaving Bunting an emotional wreck.
He said: “We did the walk-on and then did a second chorus into the walk-on.
“I was crying during the walk-on it was that emotional.”
Bunting is an emotional player on the oche but admitted he might need to “reign it in” to avoid it affecting his game.
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He continued: “Maybe I need to rein it in a tiny bit and not get so invested in the walk-on.
“But it is a special place to play, here in the Ally Pally. To get a win, it’s special.
“When you’re up there and you’ve got thousands shouting your name, you know your opponent is hearing that and maybe it’s affecting them.
“I rode the crest of that wave and kept on. I’m so happy the Bunting bandwagon goes on.”
Woodhouse awaits in the last 16 for Bunting, who has won the last eight meetings between the pair.
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He added: “Luke is a great player.
“I’ve played him quite a few times and I’ve got quite a good record [against him] I believe.
“But this is the biggest stage of them all, so what’s gone is gone.
“It’s all about the future and I’ll make sure I’m 100 per cent at my best.”