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Stephen Bunting continued his comeback with an 8-5 win over Nathan Aspinall in the International Darts Open final to claim his second title on German soil in four days.
‘The Bullet’ ended an eight-match losing streak in Berlin on Thursday to start his Premier League season and carried the momentum to Riesa, where he claimed his first European Tour title.
The 39-year-old led 3-1 early in the final but Aspinall equalised with two bullseye shots, including an impressive 130.
After winning the European Darts Cup in March, Aspinall looked set to win a second consecutive European Tour title, but Bunting stepped up the pace to dash his rival’s hopes.
Bunting had previously beaten Karel Sedracek 6-2 in the quarter-finals to advance to the semi-finals against Luke Humphries. He then displayed some brilliant darts to secure a thrilling 7-6 win over the world number one.
Aspinall eliminated the last three tournament winners on his way to the final – Gerwyn Price (twice) and defending champion Martin Schindler – but failed to repeat his triumph in Gottingen.
Bunting: Can I play here every week?
Bunting told PDC TV: “Can I play here every week? I love coming to Germany and playing in front of these fans – it’s very special to come home with a trophy.”
“I was written off, I knew I was playing well in the Premier League. I thought it was just a matter of time, but the longer it goes, the harder it gets. The Premier League has been a huge catalyst for what I’ve achieved in the last few days.”
I know I’m fourth in the world now and that’s very important to me. I just keep playing. “I’m bulletproof, nothing to lose, fire, fire” – that’s what I’m all about. Whatever the odds, I always find a way. Luckily, I found a way pretty quickly in the finale.
Luckily, I got the win over Nathan and then the win on the night in Berlin. It was beautiful. I came straight here with a lot of confidence and then I won. This is something very special. I have to take a picture with the trophy in my bed tonight, don’t I?!
Aspinall: I was out of breath
Aspinall told PDC TV : “I was out of breath. My arms were absolutely…Stephen owes me a lot of credit, I helped him win his first Premier League title and his first European title!
Until two weeks ago I had only been to a final once in ten years and now I’ve even made it two in a row. So I’m really proud of myself. My arms were just…yeah!
Final
Stephen Bunting – Nathan Aspinall 8:5
Semi-final Stephen Bunting – Luke Humphries 7:6
Nathan Aspinall 7:4 Martin Schindler
Quarter-final Luke Humphries – Wesel Niemann 6-3
Stephen Bunting – Karel Sedracek 6-2
Nathan Aspinall – Josh Locke 6-2
Martin Schindler 6-2 Peter Wright
Where will the Premier League go next?
The Premier League starts on Thursday 10th. April, Manchester AO Arena. Home favourites Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price meet in an exciting clash, while Michael van Gerwen takes on Chris Dobey.
Schedule: Matchday 11, Thursday 10 April at Manchester AO Arena
, Sky Sports action is live from 7pm – NOW LIVE.
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