Stephen Bunting Wins Maiden World Series Title in Bahrain

Stephen Bunting claimed his first World Series title with an 8-4 win over Gerwyn Price in the Bahrain Masters final. The 39-year-old Englishman had an impressive run, defeating Chris Dobey in the quarter-finals and world number one Luke Humphries in the semi-finals before comfortably overcoming Price in the final. Price, also 39, caused an upset earlier by beating newly crowned world champion Luke Littler 6-2 in the quarter-finals.

Littler, 17, had won his first senior title in Bahrain the previous year but couldn’t match Price’s performance which included a tournament-record average of 115.31. Bunting, competing in Bahrain for the first time expressed his confidence after securing the win, attributing his success to consistent form and improved belief in his abilities. He mentioned that reaching a career-high world ranking of number five had made him “very strong,” and credited hypnotherapy and psychology work for his mental resilience.

Bunting has been in excellent form, having won his first televised PDC title at the Cazoo Masters in February 2024. He also reached the semi-finals of the World Championship in December 2024 where he lost to Littler. During the tournament in Bahrain, Bunting dominated Dobey 6-0 in the quarter-finals and narrowly defeated reigning World Matchplay champion Humphries 7-6 in the semi-finals.

Price reached the final after a 7-4 win over Peter Wright in the semi-finals. Bunting’s victory in Bahrain marks a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite and boosting his confidence heading into future tournaments.