SPLIT DECISION
Stephen Bunting left in hysterics after bizarre mishap during clash with world No1 Luke Humphries at Bahrain Masters
The 39-year-old averaged just under 100 in the brilliant comeback win
STEPHEN BUNTING booked his place in the Bahrain Masters final - at the expense of one of his darts.
The Bullet saw off World No.1 Luke Humphries 7-6 in a gripping semi-final on Friday evening.
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Bunting was in scintillating form as he saw off Cool Hand Luke, throwing a three-dart average of 99.96.
The 39-year-old trailed 6-4, but rattled off three legs in a row to knock out the pre-tournament favourite.
But it was a moment in the second leg that had darts fans - and the players - in hysterics.
Bunting landed his first two darts in the treble 20 as he looked to set up a checkout.
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His third looked destined to do the same - only for his arrow to pierce directly through the stem of another lying the T20.
Bunting and Humphries both burst out laughing, with the Bullet forced to bring out his backup set.
One fan laughed on X: "How has he even managed that?!"
Another said: "That was one hell of a steal from Bunting. Fair play."
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While a third added: "2025 is the year of the Bunting, he’s winning the lot."
Bunting hit 50 per cent on his doubles in the win and five 180s.
Luke Humphries nails incredible nine-darter to send fans wild with limbs everywhere at star-studded exhibition event
The reigning PDC Masters champion believes he is currently playing the best darts of his career after reaching the semi-finals at the World Championship earlier this month.
Bunting said: "I'm riding the crest of a wave at the minute.
"I feel like I'm playing the best darts of my life.
"So I need to keep doing what I'm doing and keep trying to improve."
Luke Littler prize money breakdown
Here is all the prize money Luke Littler has won so far after being crowned 2025 PDC World Darts Championship winner:
World Championship 2025 - £500,000
World Championship 2024 - £200,000
Grand Slam of Darts 2024 - £150,000
European Tour - £91,000
Player Championships events - £71,500
Players Championship final runner-up - £60,000
UK Open 2023 + 2024 - £17,500
World Matchplay - £10,000
World Grand Prix - £7,500
European Championship - £7,500
(Unranked) Premier League Darts - £315,000
TOTAL: £1.43 million
Earlier on Friday, there was a shock as reigning world champion Luke Littler was beaten by Gerwyn Price.
The Iceman averaged 115.03 as he stunned the 17-year-old to advance to a semi-final against Peter Wright.
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