Bunting wins first Players Championship title since 2021

Stephen Bunting showcased an impressive performance to secure his first Players Championship title since July 2021, triumphing at the 18th Players Championship of 2025 held in Leicester. Bunting, currently ranked fourth in the world, demonstrated his skill by hitting six 180s and achieving an average of 104.84 during the final match against Jermaine Wattimena. Although Wattimena managed to take the lead by winning the first leg, Bunting quickly regained control, winning six consecutive legs and executing remarkable checkouts of 164 and 156. Despite a late surge from Wattimena, who narrowed the gap to 7-5, Bunting sealed the victory with a checkout of 94, culminating in an 11-darter that confirmed his championship win.

Prior to the final, Bunting had a challenging path to the title, where he exhibited excellent form by averaging 106.43 in his last 16 match against Alan Soutar, which he won 6-4. He faced tough competition in both the quarter and semi-finals, winning in last-leg deciders. Bunting edged past Karel Sedlacek from the Czech Republic with a close 6-5 victory and then narrowly defeated former World Championship semi-finalist Dave Chisnall 7-6 to earn his spot in the final. On the other hand, Wattimena had an impressive run leading up to the final, winning four consecutive one-leg shootouts against notable players including Josh Rock and Ryan Searle. The Leicester event is part of a series of 34 Players Championship events throughout the year, with the finals scheduled to take place in Minehead in November, following Chris Dobey's recent victory in the 17th event earlier in the week.