Stephen Bunting has revealed that a simple change of footwear and advice from former footballer John Terry have sparked his recent Premier League Darts resurgence. The world number seven, known for his eye-catching stage shoes, admitted he had been playing in the wrong size for a year, saying on the Double Tops podcast: "I think I bought the wrong size when I first bought them and I've been walking around like PC Plod for 12 months. So, yeah, happy that I've got shoes that fit me now and they've paid off." He added with a smile: "Yeah size 11. My feet are shrinking."
After a difficult start with three straight losses, Bunting claimed his first nightly win of the season in Belfast, a victory he described as a "massive confidence boost." He noted: "From being on zero points, I'm now on five points. It's a great confidence builder going forward for the rest of the season." In the subsequent round in Cardiff, he narrowly lost 6-5 to Gerwyn Price after missing match darts, but feels his form has returned.
Bunting also credited a shift in on-stage attitude, influenced by John Terry. "I think he is right. I think I do need to get a bit more angry," Bunting said. "I showed a bit of emotion when I was hitting the doubles and the big finishes, I was giving it the fist pump and stuff. I think he gave me a kick up the bottom, to be honest. It really did help me pull me through." This has helped him respond to critics who questioned his Premier League inclusion, with Bunting stating: "I've proved to everyone, the critics and everything, that I do belong in it."
Looking ahead, Bunting will be back in action this Thursday in Nottingham, where he faces Josh Rock in the quarterfinals as he aims to maintain his improved form.
