Stephen Bunting has cast doubt on Luke Littler's ability to match Phil Taylor's record of 16 world titles, insisting the modern standard is too high. Speaking ahead of the US Darts Masters at Madison Square Garden, the Liverpudlian said: "Personally, I don't think he'll win 16 world titles. I think the standard of player now is a lot better and there are a lot more top players around."
Bunting, who is part of a star-studded field including Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton and Josh Rock, added: "He'll certainly win a few more world titles, definitely. He's got age on his side and, as long as he keeps his feet on the floor, he's doing everything right at the moment." The 2026 US Darts Masters is being held at the iconic Madison Square Garden, a venue Bunting described as "a dream come true".
Reflecting on the growth of darts in America, Bunting said: "They certainly did last year. It was great to be a part of it and obviously to play in Madison Square Garden is a dream come true, to be honest. It's such an iconic venue." He noted the unique walk-on experience: "The walk-on was a bit strange because it was a zig-zag walk-on and there were no barriers, so it's a bit different to the UK, but we all enjoyed it as players and the crowd certainly got behind it."
Bunting also opened up about his work with a hypnotist and sports psychologist, which he credits with reviving his career. "A few years ago I was down on form and I was going home, taking it out on my family and locking myself away. I needed to change some things," he said. "Seeing a hypnotist got me thinking really positively, which was unbelievable. He changed my career, to be honest. Two weeks after starting with him, I went on to win the Masters." He explained the hypnotist's approach: "The way he describes it is that you've got a bucket in your brain and every negative thought goes into that bucket. Eventually it overflows, like any normal bucket would, and that's where your stress, anxiety and dartitis come from."
On the current standard of darts, Bunting remarked: "Everyone is averaging around 100 these days. Gone are the days when you could average 100 and guarantee yourself a tournament win. Now you can average 100 and go out in the first round." He also touched on Liverpool's new manager Andoni Iraola, saying: "I think we needed a manager who plays attacking football and he certainly does that. To play into the hands of players like Florian Wirtz and Rio Ngumoha, who didn't really get much of a chance under Slot, I think a fresh start was needed."
