Stephen Bunting, currently competing at the US Darts Masters in New York, has revealed that darts is making inroads with the England football team. Speaking to former Spurs midfielder David Bentley on Instagram, Bunting shared an anecdote about England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford facetiming with fans while playing darts alongside defender John Stones. “It was good, full of England fans which was great,” Bunting said. “They are flying home with the bongos bingos and we were out with them last night. So, we had a good time. They took over the bar and were facetiming Pickford. He was actually playing darts with John Stones. It's amazing who would have thought darts would have come this far. To be playing here in Madison Square Garden.”
Bunting, known as 'The Bullet', is in the USA challenging for glory at the US Darts Masters, part of the World Series of Darts. He has been a mainstay on the World Series, collecting two titles from four finals last year. However, his fortunes in North America have not been as great. After losing in the first round last year against Jason Brandon, he was determined to put things right at Madison Square Gardens. He made light work of Alex Spellman, defeating the American 6-2 while averaging just over 90 with a 46% checkout rate – a solid start to his tournament.
Bunting's quarter-final opponent is Luke Humphries, the reigning champion, who will prove a tricky obstacle as Bunting searches for a third World Series title. Meanwhile, the England football team is also in New York, with one more group match remaining against Panama. Any type of result will confirm their spot in the next round, with a win very likely to cement their name top of the group. English fans have come from far and wide to support their nation, and Bunting has enjoyed his stay with them.
During the Instagram conversation, Bentley let loose that he was attending the darts in a fancy dress costume, synonymous with darts fans, and asked Bunting what he should dress up as. Bunting saw an opportunity to crack a joke, replying: “A big banana. You are a banana!”
