Stephen Bunting Releases Statement After Concerning World Grand Prix Crowd With Behaviour During Game

Stephen Bunting has released an emotional statement on social media after struggling on stage during his World Grand Prix defeat to Danny Noppert on Wednesday night.

Ahead of his clash against 2021 semi-finalist Noppert, the world number four and former Lakeside champion made an honest admission, despite his dominant first-round victory over Niko Springer.

Bunting posted an average of 97.02 and landed five 180s against the in-form Sprinter, but he admitted that his pre-match preparations have been far from ideal.

“I’ve not really prepared as well as I’d have liked,” he said in his post-match press conference. “There’s been a lot going on at home. Obviously, it’s been a hectic schedule – we were in Budapest, then Basel, then the Pro Tours, and now here."

Bunting added: "I made sure I gave myself one extra day off. I did some painting and decorating at home, so the arm was working that way – and it’s done me no harm."

A day later and the popular Liverpudlian was knocked out at the second-round stage by Noppert, who recorded a 3-1 victory on the Mattioli Arena stage.

Bunting struggled throughout and after the match in Leicester, the 40-year-old posted a statement on social media to confirm he was suffering with a bad back – something he believes the darts crowd were aware of.

"Back so sore. Couldn’t force my darts up. Tried stretching and just made it worse," he said on X. "How I won so many legs I don’t know. The crowd knew I was in pain."

He added: "Pity the social media full of negativity. Well done to Danny you played well."

Danny Noppert reacts to win over Stephen Bunting at World Grand Prix

"Yeah, I started well at the doubles," he said in his post-match press conference. "I was better than in the first game, so I was really happy with it. The tops worked today, and that saved me a lot."

"I focused on my own game in that moment, and it got me back into it," he added after being asked about Bunting's 125 checkout. "I’m really, really happy with this win."

Noppert was also asked why he was "more animated than usual" during the match against Bunting. "I let the emotions go," he replied. "Every celebration I do is natural... from the heart."