Stephen Bunting has capped off a sensational week in Germany, claiming his first-ever European Tour title with a thrilling victory over Nathan Aspinall in the International Darts Open final in Riesa.
Just days after ending his nine-week winless streak in the Premier League Darts by triumphing in Berlin, “The Bullet” showcased his resurgence with a dominant display, adding another trophy to his growing collection.
A Match of Momentum Swings
The final was a rollercoaster affair, with both players trading blows in a high-quality contest. Bunting, riding high on confidence, seized control early, but Aspinall—fresh off a European Tour win last week—refused to go down without a fight.
- Bunting raced to a 3-1 lead, capitalizing on Aspinall’s early struggles.
- Aspinall fought back with two stunning bullseye finishes (66 & 130) to level at 3-3.
- Missed doubles proved costly for Aspinall, who shook his arm in frustration at times.
- Bunting regained control, pulling away to a 6-3 advantage before sealing the title with a clinical double 10.
Key Match Stats
| Stat | Stephen Bunting | Nathan Aspinall |
|---|---|---|
| Average | 100.19 | 91.36 |
| 100+ Scores | 18 | 7 |
| 140+ Scores | 10 | 8 |
| 180s | 6 | 4 |
| Highest Checkout | 100 | 130 |
| 100+ Checkouts | 2 | 1 |
| Checkout % | 44.4% | 41.7% |
A Season-Saving Week for Bunting
After a frustrating Premier League campaign, Bunting’s Berlin triumph reignited his season—and he carried that momentum into Riesa. His maiden European Tour victory solidifies his status as one of the sport’s most dangerous players when in form.
For Aspinall, it was a valiant effort, but fatigue and inconsistency proved decisive. Despite flashes of brilliance—including two spectacular bullseye finishes—he couldn’t replicate last week’s heroics.
What’s Next?
Bunting’s back-to-back successes in Germany have revitalized his season, proving he can compete with the best. With the Premier League playoffs still within reach, “The Bullet” is firing at the perfect time.
As for Aspinall, he remains a major threat, but his arm discomfort and missed opportunities will be a concern. Can he bounce back quickly?
One thing’s certain: Stephen Bunting is back—and he means business.
What did you think of Bunting’s performance? Can he keep this form going? Let us know in the comments! 🎯🔥
Ben Evans is a passionate darts writer with a keen eye for statistics and news. With years of experience following the PDC scene, Ben brings in-depth coverage of tournaments, player performances, and emerging dart trends. Known for his detailed analysis and love for the game, he keeps fans updated with the latest stats, match insights, and memorable moments. When he’s not covering the action on the oche, Ben enjoys a game of darts, staying sharp on the sport he loves.