'I’m playing the best darts of my life' - Stephen Bunting relays menacing message ahead of World Grand Prix

Stephen Bunting has sent out an ominous warning sign to his rivals ahead of the 2025 World Grand Prix, as he strives for his second major title in the double-in double-out format.

The Bullet has previously made the semi-finals of the event twice, once in 2013 on his debut, and in 2021. Aside from that, it has been a variety of first and second-round losses. Now Bunting is at his best, he will be looking for a much-improved campaign in Leicester.

“I’m playing the best darts of my life. I feel consistently that I'm delivering,” Bunting said. "I'm number four in the world. The rankings are over a few years so it shows how consistent I’ve been, but you can’t take anything for granted in this game. There are so many good players in this sport, so to be in the top four of the world is an unbelievable achievement. I can’t take my foot off the gas. I need to keep on the practice board and keep improving, and hopefully there’s a big tournament [win] coming soon.”

The former Masters champion has a tough opening round match, being drawn against recent European Tour winner Niko Springer, who is also currently playing the best darts of his life.

De Decker reflects on maiden major triumph

Mike De Decker travels back to the Mattioli Arena as the holder of the Grand Prix. The Belgian produced a scintillating tournament display, capped off with a remarkable victory in the final against the world number one and 2023 champion Luke Humphries.

However, defending his title will not be easy, and if history proves itself again, De Decker could be faced with a poisoned chalice. From 2010, Michael van Gerwen has been the only player to defend the title, winning it in 2017 and 2018, which was also when he was in his peak. The Real Deal will be hoping to defy those odds, with two-time World Champion Peter Wright his first-round opponent.