Dave Chisnall, a former professional darts player, has spoken out about Stephen Bunting’s behavior in the PDC World Championship semi-final against 17-year-old Luke Littler, calling it “a bit weird.”
The match, which saw Littler win 6-1, has sparked discussion not only because of the result but also due to the friendly dynamic between the two players.
Littler’s Impressive Win
Littler’s dominant performance in the semi-final earned him a spot in his second consecutive World Championship final, where he later defeated Michael van Gerwen.
His victory over Bunting was particularly remarkable, not just for the scoreline but for Littler’s cool-headedness on such a big stage.
Despite his young age, Littler was composed throughout the match, exchanging fist bumps, smiles, and even hugs with Bunting—moments that felt far removed from the usual competitive nature of darts.
This contrast in tone between the semi-final and the final against Van Gerwen left many questioning the lack of intensity in their match.
Chisnall Questions the Sportsmanship
Chisnall, who is close with Bunting, shared his disappointment in his friend’s performance.
Although Bunting started the first set strong, losing it 3-2 despite impressive averages was tough.
What caught Chisnall’s attention, however, was the amount of fist bumping after each set.
He expressed that it felt unusual for such a high-stakes match.
The contrast was clear in the final, where Van Gerwen’s approach to the match was much more intense, without any of the friendly gestures seen in the semi-final.
Chisnall wondered if Bunting’s overly cordial behavior affected his focus.
Van Gerwen’s Return to Form
Despite his critique of Bunting, Chisnall praised Van Gerwen’s performance throughout the tournament.
He acknowledged that Van Gerwen’s form during the World Championship was a “worry” for his competitors.
Though Van Gerwen missed a few crucial doubles in the final, Chisnall believes the three-time World Champion will make a strong comeback, noting that very few players are able to maintain such high-level play in their 30s.
Premier League Showdown
Bunting and Littler will have another opportunity to face off in the upcoming Premier League, having both been selected to compete.
They will be joined by other notable players, including Van Gerwen, Rob Cross, and Luke Humphries.
However, Chisnall, despite his strong career, was left off the roster, which he took in stride.
Littler’s Life After Victory
Since his victory, Littler has been enjoying some downtime.
He shared on Instagram his excitement about receiving a large batch of Premier League stickers from Panini, an exciting personal gift for the young darts star.
Littler, who is a passionate Manchester United supporter, also posted a picture of his Xbox Series console, saying he was “back to normal for a few days.”
Spending Plans
When asked how he would spend his World Championship winnings, Littler kept it simple.
He mentioned treating himself to new Under Armour tracksuits, a new coat, and some FIFA points for his Xbox—a modest yet relatable way to reward himself after a remarkable year.
The future looks bright for Littler, and his journey will surely continue to captivate darts fans everywhere.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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