Darts
PDC World Darts Championship: Luke Littler Snubs Stephen Bunting's Practise Call Ahead of Semi-Final
Stephen Bunting reveals teenage darts star Luke Littler opted to stick to his own practise routine, declining Bunting's offer to train together ahead of their PDC World Championship semi-final.
PDC / Taylor Lanning
Teenage sensation Luke Littler and fan favourite Stephen Bunting have secured their spots in the second semi-final of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship.
The Nuke vs. The Bullet
Littler, just 17, has reached the final four for the second consecutive year, further cementing his reputation as one of the sport’s brightest young stars. Meanwhile, the experienced Bunting, 39, will compete in his second-ever PDC World Championship semi-final, though he brings plenty of pedigree to the oche as the 2014 Lakeside World Champion.
Bunting clinched his semi-final berth with an emphatic 5-2 victory over two-time world champion Peter Wright. Littler matched that scoreline, defeating fellow Target stablemate Nathan Aspinall to continue his impressive tournament run.
Throughout the week, Bunting has openly credited his practise sessions with reigning world champion Luke Humphries for sharpening his form. However, he hinted earlier in the tournament at the possibility of training with his upcoming opponent, Littler.
Potential Practise Buddies
When asked post-match whether the one-on-one session had materialised, Bunting responded with a chuckle:
“No, he didn't ring me,” Bunting joked.
He explained that while Littler’s father had approached him about a potential practise session, their plans never came to fruition due to Littler’s preference for his usual routine.
“I think Luke is obviously set in his own ways. His dad did speak to me about practise and stuff, but for one thing, going another, it just didn't happen,” he told SportsBoom.com.
Bunting made it clear there were no hard feelings, expressing admiration for Littler and the strides he’s made in the sport.
“I'm sure we'll practise in the coming future, but yeah, it just didn't happen leading up to this,” he said.
“But like I said, I've got a lot of respect for his family, for everything he's done for our sport. He's elevated it to another level. I’ve got to turn up and make sure that I'm the best version of myself.”
Littler’s Response
Littler, dubbed the "Warrington wonderkid," was also asked about the missed practise opportunity after his quarterfinal win. The teenager explained it wasn’t a slight against Bunting but simply a decision to stick to his tried-and-tested preparation methods.
“I know he practised with Luke [Humphries]. I wouldn’t say I ignored him, I just wanted to do my own practise at home,” Littler said in his post-match press conference.
With both players heading into the semi-finals brimming with confidence, the clash between youth and experience promises to be an electrifying encounter.
Will Littler continue his meteoric rise, or will Bunting’s seasoned hand guide him to his first PDC World Championship final?
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