‘What a feeling' – Topless Steve Bunting copies Luke Littler as he sleeps with Nordic Darts Masters Trophy
STEPHEN BUNTING is going global as he tries to prove his Premier League flop was a one-off.
The Bullet, 40, picked up a second World Series of Darts title this year on Saturday night as he beat Rob Cross 8-4 in the final in Copenhagen.
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Bunting, ranked fourth in the world, slept with the Nordic Darts Masters trophy in his hotel room before catching a flight home to the UK.
The 40-year-old channelled his inner-Lionel Messi as he posted a cheeky topless snap of him cuddling up with the gong - just like rival Luke Littler.
He wrote on X: "Good morning Copenhagen! What a great feeling waking up along side this beauty."
Bunting's performances were a contrast to the misery he had endured during the 17-week Prem where he suffered 12 first-round losses.
Finishing bottom of the eight-man table would have rocked the confidence of lesser men.
But the St Helens thrower – whose 'Bunting Mental' shtick is growing around the world – has always believed he can cope with the elite in knockout events.
Trips to New York, Poland, Australia and New Zealand this summer could consolidate his position at the top of the rankings for this invitational series.
He said: "Listen, in the Premier League, you're playing the best players in the world.
"For whatever reason, it just didn't happen for me. I said to my management and family, I won't lose heart. I still believe.
"I put in some really good performances. Unfortunately it wasn't to be.
Premier League Darts star Stephen Bunting 'moonlighting as Rangers steward' as incredible Ibrox doppelganger spotted
"It was a long time since I had been in the Premier League, 10 years in fact, and it was like going back to a new school this year. I was proud of myself towards the end.
"I have shown how good I can be, especially on the World Series.
"I believe I am consistent. My doubles have let me down in the last two months.
"Sometimes I have to pinch myself. I know how good I can be. It's dog-eat-dog out there. I'm glad to be up there in the rankings.
"These aren't ranked tournaments. I will take these wins. It's all about gaining confidence, it's like a snowball effect.
"Hopefully this can rub off in the likes of the World Matchplay and other ProTours. I am looking forward to the rest of the season.
"When I went out in the arena, I saw the scarves, the shirts, the 'Bunting Mental' hats and cheers and chants.
"It was a great venue. The crowd rooted for me and got me through my games."
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