Wayne Mardle praises mental strength of Bunting: 'Shown more strength mentally than any other player'

Wayne Mardle has praised Stephen Bunting's mental toughness after 'The Bullet' made an impressive recovery in this year's Premier League Darts.

The former Masters champion seemed written off. Bunting lost his first eight matches of the prestigious competition, but the turnaround came in Berlin during the ninth round of play.

Bunting resumed his form, picking up his first-ever win and then immediately popped through to the weekly title in the German capital. He then reached the final on Night 11 in Rotterdam, and also managed to win his two subsequent quarter-finals.

Former top darter Mardle is impressed with the way Bunting has fought himself back.

“I believe Stephen Bunting has shown more strength mentally than any other player in the Premier League. After losing for eight weeks running it would have been so easy to have been beaten and just roll over and think do you know what I have had enough of this," he said on Sky Sports.

“We’ve seen it from other players in the past that think I don’t care anymore, I no longer want to play. We have not had that for a millisecond from Stephen.

“When this campaign does end for him, I hope he looks back not with fondness but thinks do you know what, that was a good effort. I tried as hard as I could for the duration. Credit to him.”

Bunting himself also looks back honestly on his difficult start. “The Premier League season has been a bit difficult to be fair.

“Obviously you have seen me at the foot of the table. But I have enjoyed every minute of it and I’ve not been for lack of trying.

“I’ve gave it my all every week. It took quite a few weeks to get used to the walk-on and playing in front of the big crowds. I would love to come back and do it all again.”

Despite a poor start, the 40-year-old darter from St. Helens has shown he belongs on the top stage. After 15 weeks, Bunting has the fourth-highest tournament average with a handsome 97.59. Outside the Premier League, he is also turning in a strong season. Last month, for example, he won his first European Tour title at the International Darts Open in Riesa.

Next Thursday, another tough job awaits him in the Premier League. During the final round of play in Sheffield, a clash with frontrunner Luke Littler awaits him.