Stephen Bunting Sends a Message! ‘The Bullet’ Beats Luke Littler in Pre-World Championship Thriller in Portsmouth
Stephen Bunting delivered a timely reminder of his title credentials ahead of the PDC World Darts Championship after edging teenage superstar Luke Littler in a dramatic exhibition showdown in Portsmouth.
In front of a packed crowd on the south coast, The Bullet produced a composed, clinical display to defeat the world No. 1 in a match that had all the intensity of a major-stage encounter. Although the fixture was part of a pre-tournament exhibition series, the quality, tension and reaction told its own story.
A Statement Performance
Littler arrived in Portsmouth as the overwhelming favourite, having dominated the 2025 season with a string of major titles. But Bunting rose to the occasion, firing in heavy scoring bursts and key checkouts at crucial moments to silence the buzz around ‘The Nuke’.
A mid-match 12-darter followed by a 117 checkout swung momentum firmly in Bunting’s favour, and despite Littler threatening a late comeback—as he so often does—Bunting held strong to cross the finish line.
Bunting: “That’s exactly the preparation I wanted”
After the match, Bunting made it clear that the win wasn’t just for show—it was a message.
“I’m feeling sharp. That’s exactly the preparation I wanted going into Ally Pally,” he said.
“Luke is the best in the world right now, no doubt, so getting the win gives me a lot of confidence.”
He also noted the electric atmosphere inside the venue:
“It felt like a proper match. The crowd were brilliant and the adrenaline was flowing. Nights like this get you ready for the big stage.”
Littler takes the defeat in stride
Despite the loss, Littler remained upbeat, praising Bunting’s performance and shifting his focus back to the bigger target ahead.
“Fair play to Stephen, he played great,” Littler said.
“These nights are all about sharpening up. I’m ready for the Worlds—that’s what matters.”
The 18-year-old also laughed off the crowd’s reaction, saying he “loved the energy” even when the Portsmouth faithful cheered Bunting’s big moments.
Momentum Building at the Perfect Time
Bunting has been one of the most consistent players on tour this season, reaching multiple major semi-finals and tightening his grip on a top-10 ranking. His latest win over Littler adds further intrigue to a World Championship field already stacked with title contenders.
With both players heading to Alexandra Palace in strong form, this exhibition thriller may prove to be a preview of a blockbuster matchup in London.
