Stephen Bunting is determined to ‘cherish’ his BetMGM Premier League return, ahead of his quarter-final clash against Michael van Gerwen on Night Two in Glasgow.
Bunting will go head-to-head with seven-time Premier League champion Van Gerwen at the OVO Hydro on Thursday, as he bids to open his account in this year’s event.
The 39-year-old made his fully-fledged return to the Premier League fold last week following a ten-year hiatus, after making his debut in the sport’s biggest roadshow back in 2015.
Bunting – who also featured as a challenger in the 2020 edition – was beaten 6-4 by Rob Cross on Night One in Belfast, on what proved to be an emotional return.
"The whole crowd were all supporting me and getting behind me, so when I got on stage the tears started flowing,” reflected the Liverpudlian.
“The nerves were evident for me, from the moment I left the hotel to the moment I got into the practice room.
“It has been ten years since I was last in the Premier League, so I was expecting that, and I’m confident now that the nerves will disappear."
Bunting will renew his rivalry with Dutch superstar Van Gerwen in Thursday’s second quarter-final, as the pair lock horns on the big stage for the first time since last year’s Masters final.
The former Lakeside Champion produced a sensational display to break new ground in Milton Keynes, running out an 11-7 winner to clinch his maiden PDC televised title.
“Beating Michael in the Masters was a massive part of my career,” conceded the world number five.
“It was one of the best wins of my life, and I cherish playing these big players.
“My game is in a great place at the minute, so to put my game up against the best players in the world is exciting for me.
“I feel like I am one of the best players in the world right now.
“I just need to keep doing what I’m doing, obviously keep my feet on the ground, and keep my emotions in check.
“I’m just focusing on one game at a time. It’s all about the preparation and making sure that I’m at my best when I arrive at the venue.
“That is what I will be trying to do, and if I’m at my best, it should be a brilliant game against Michael.”
There is no Scottish representation in the Premier League for the first time since 2013, with two-time champion Gary Anderson and 2017 runner-up Peter Wright both missing out on selection.
As a result, fan favourite Bunting is hoping he will have the support of the partisan Glasgow crowd, as he targets his first points of the new Premier League season.
“I think the Bunting Army rolls on everywhere,” quipped the reigning Bahrain Darts Masters champion.
“The messages of support I’ve had on my social media has been unbelievable and it really is appreciated.
“My journey now is partly because of the fans. The crowd are such an influential part of the game.
“I think last time I played in Glasgow I played Peter Wright. I was well ahead and the crowd changed the game, so hopefully they’re all on my side this time!”
The 2025 BetMGM Premier League will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland, through the PDC's worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV for Rest of the World Subscribers (outside of the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria & Switzerland).
2025 BetMGM Premier League
Night Two - Thursday February 13
OVO Hydo, Glasgow
Quarter-Finals
Rob Cross v Luke Littler
Michael van Gerwen v Stephen Bunting
Nathan Aspinall v Gerwyn Price
Luke Humphries v Chris Dobey
Semi-Finals
Cross/Littler v Van Gerwen/Bunting
Aspinall/Price v Humphries/Dobey
Final
v
All matches best of 11 legs