Exclusive: Bunting plots Littler and Humphries practice sessions ahead of Ally Pally

Reigning Masters Champion Stephen Bunting has revealed he will be practicing with both of last year's two PDC World Championship finalists ahead of his latest Ally Pally tilt next month.

The Bullet has reached a career high world number eight after an impressive two years which has featured four ranking major quarter-finals and a semi-final alongside his Masters win back in January.

Bunting succumbed to Michael van Gerwen in the last 16 a year ago after a disappointing performance, but the St Helens superstar is looking to put things right at this year’s event — starting with the highest level of preperation imaginable.

'We can knock ten bells out of each other on the practice board'

Teenage sensation Luke Littler and World Champion Luke Humphries have dominated 2024, capturing 17 titles between them.

Despite Humphries entering Alexandra Palace as the reigning World Champion, his rival Littler is the bookmaker’s favourite to win the tournament after a standout year which has featured 10 senior titles.

Bunting has faced both powerhouses this season in high-stakes matches, powering past ‘Cool Hand’ enroute to lifting his maiden PDC Major before falling to Littler in the final of a Players Championship event. 

And with the 39-year-old enjoying strong relationships with both players, the Scouser intends to tap into his contact book over the next fortnight.

Speaking exclusively to Odds Now via Free Bets, Bunting unveiled his plan to ensure he’s ‘100% ready’ for the World Championship.

He said: “A few weeks before the Worlds I’ve got a few days I need to book in with Luke Humphries, maybe do a little bit of practice with Luke Littler as well to get myself 100% ready for that first game at Ally Pally.

“Over the past few years I’m respected more as a dart player now with the form I’ve shown, consistency wise. In the past I’ve practiced with Nathan Aspinall as well.

“We [me and Humphries] just talk a bit when practicing at the venues and stuff and we both decided it was a really good idea [to practice together].

"Obviously we can knock ten bells out of each other on the practice board and I think it’ll help not just me, but I think it will help Luke as well.”

Bunting is hoping to get plenty of practise in with both Littler and Humphries prior to the World Championships next month. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

Premier League potential not on Bullet's mind

The former BDO World Champion hasn't always been in the upper echelons of the sport since turning professional.

Bunting has previously revealed he turned up to Pro Tours feeling that other players were laughing at him when his confidence was at rock bottom, eventually enlisting a sports psychologist to help him.

“Back in the day, what three years ago now when I was in the doldrums I really didn’t see a way out of it," Bunting explained.

“It was sort of last chance saloon with sports psychology and hypnotherapy, and it really has brought me back to loving the game. Even in defeats I can see positives now."

A best price of 66/1 to be crowned world champion in five weeks' time, the popular arrowsmith says he heads to London in a great headspace.

“I know how good I can be. Obviously winning that major has took a massive monkey off my back as well and it’s given me a bit of freedom in these TV tournaments.

“I’m looking at going into the Worlds full of confidence, really looking forward to it.

“People are talking about Premier League and stuff but that’s the last thing on my mind at the minute, I’m fully focused on the World Championship and doing a job while I’m there.”

Bunting was speaking to Odds Now in association with Free Bets.