Fans who have developed a strong investment in Stephen Bunting are only just discovering the darts star's real age and it's left many stunned.
The Bullet has been on the circuit for a number of years now but his popularity has soared in recent times, with the fans absolutely lapping up everything he does in his run to the World Darts Championship semi-finals.
Bunting saw off two-time World champion Peter Wright by a 5-2 scoreline to set up a massive semi-final showdown with prodigy and tournament favourite Luke Littler, who defeated stablemate Nathan Aspinall to close out the action on New Year's Day.
The 2024 Masters champion has reached this stage of the competition before, losing to Gerwyn Price - but this time around he has developed an enormous fanbase who give him that extra bit of energy when Sia's 'Titanium' plays as he walks out to the stage.
He has also has massive supporter on social media, though a fair few fans have been left in disbelief after finding out that Bunting, who is married with two children, is 39 years old - the same age as Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Taking to X, one wrote: "There’s absolutely no way on earth Stephen Bunting is 39 years of age."
A second said: "No-one in the world will make me believe that Stephen Bunting is only 39."
A third commented: "Stephen Bunting being only 39 has blown my mind."
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A fourth added: "Genuinely shocked to find out Stephen Bunting is in his 30’s."
A fifth user posted: "Can’t quite comprehend that Stephen Bunting is 39 years of age!"
After practicing with reigning world champion Luke Humphries for months, Bunting is in the form of his life and performing at an incredible level.
He now takes on last year's finalist in Littler but was delighted to emerge from a nervy contest against Wright, who threatened with a late quarter-final comeback
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Speaking to Sky Sports, Bunting said: "In the back room, I felt really nervous. Peter Wright is a massive friend of mine and my son’s favourite player. So, I feel for my son.
“I knew the crowd would turn pivotal. I am so happy to get over the line. For the four sets, the crowd were unreal but must do better!
“I was in control of the game, Peter came back into it, and I thought: ‘Refocus, don’t let myself down.’ Each and every game, I have focused on one opponent.
“I hope that is the nervy one out of the way. The crowd were unbelievable again. Let’s go Bunting Mental."
Topics: Darts, Luke Littler
Josh Lawless