Bunting has became one of the most popular players among fans.
Luke Littler shakes hands with Stephen Bunting after winning their semi-final match (Image: PA Wire )
Stephen Bunting has sold the shirt he wore for his clash against Luke Littler in the World Darts Championship last week. The St Helen’s darts star reached the semi-final of the competition before being eliminated following a devastating 6-1 thrashing from tournament favourite Luke Littler.
Despite a triumphant tournament from Bunting and one that saw him finish fifth in the world rankings, he left empty handed as his bid to reach the final for the first time was halted by Littler. The 39-year-old put the red and white shirt he wore in the semi final up for sale online.
Although Bunting took home an impressive £100,000 in prize money from his impressive competition run, he made £125 from selling the shirt. The top had been advertised by his wife, Keila. He also sold other shirts worn in other stages of the competition including the one he wore in his quarter final win over Peter Wright.
On the darts circuit, Bunting has become one of the most popular among fans. He has close to 200,000 followers on TikTok with most of his content being unrelated darts. The phrase ‘Bunting Mental’ is a chant that has been used by supporters of the Liverpool fan when he takes to the oche.
Luke Littler won the World Championship after beating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the final at Alexandra Palace. Victory consolidates his position at the top in the sport and avenges the final defeat he suffered to Luke Humphries on debut last year.
Littler got off to a flying start as he won 12 of the opening 15 legs to cruise into a 4-0 lead. Van Gerwen, to his credit, fought back and won two of the next three sets to make it 5-2.
But, in the end, Littler’s class showed, and he got the job done with a double 16 to get his hands on the trophy. And after throwing the winning dart, the 17-year-old broke down in tears on stage.
He said: “Everyone dreams of lifting this trophy. You’ve got to get through a tough field. I can’t believe it. I keep saying it but that first game against Ryan Meikle [in round two] was the one that really mattered, and throughout I’ve just settled.”