Michael Cooper/PDC

'He’s absolutely class': Stephen Bunting laments missed chance at Poland Darts Masters in praising Gerwyn Price

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 10:22 AM ET

Stephen Bunting reached his fourth World Series of Darts final of the year by beating consecutive Polish number one Krzysztof Ratajski and reigning champion Luke Littler on Saturday night. Yet the 40-year-old Englishman eventually had to acknowledge his superiority to an unparalleled Gerwyn Price.

Bunting won the Bahrain Darts Masters early this year and added the Nordic Darts Masters in early June. He also reached the final of the Dutch Darts Masters. The world number four started the Poland Darts Masters as the first series leader and managed to qualify for the quarter-finals on Friday after a 6-3 victory against Poland's Tytys Kanik.

In the quarterfinals, Bunting delivered a fine display of darts with a sensational 150-finish, good for a decisive leg victory over crowd favorite Krzysztof Ratajski. He then eliminated Luke Littler with a convincing 7-3 victory in the semifinals, setting him up for his third World Series final in a row and his fourth of 2025.

Bunting hoped to join the illustrious ranks of such greats as Gary Anderson and Phil Taylor, who won three World Series titles in one calendar year. However, that dream was shattered by a magical moment from Price in the all-decisive leg.

Enjoyed

“I’ve really enjoyed this weekend," said Bunting. You cannot give Gezzy opportunities, because he’s absolutely class.

“That double-double finish - I just said to him: 'that was unbelievable'. It was a great ending to a brilliant game.”

The World Series of Darts has been at a standstill for about a month now and is picking up momentum again over the weekend of Aug. 8 and 9, when the Australian Darts Masters will be held in Wollongong. Price starts that tournament as the defending champion, after winning 8-1 over Luke Littler in last year's final.

PRICE PREVAILS IN POLAND!

Gerwyn Price is the Poland Darts Masters champion!

The Iceman produces a SENSATIONAL double-double finish to deny Stephen Bunting 8-7 in a thrilling final!

https://t.co/TPq6ZvsjUE #PolandDarts25 | Final pic.twitter.com/dCQoWFgBXp
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 5, 2025