There's nothing like the World Darts Championship to leave fans dumbfounded by how those so young can look so aged.
Last year it was the phenomenal rise of Luke Littler, who despite only being sixteen could've fooled even the best bouncers. This year proved no different, with now semi-finalist Stephen Bunting leaving fans absolutely shocked that he's only thirty-nine.
Bunting was in quarter-final action on Wednesday evening, defeating former world champion Peter Wright 5 sets to 2 to book his place in the world semi-final versus Luke Littler.
It was an emphatic start by Bunting who shot four sets ahead before Snakebite Wright could fathom any reply. While Wright would enjoy a mini-revival that saw him claim both the fifth and sixth sets making it 4-2, it was too little, too late, as Bunting claimed the seventh and the game, setting up a salivating semi-final clash.
Stephen Bunting is in the last four!#WCDarts | @sbunting180 pic.twitter.com/2ur0juE2HK
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 1, 2025
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Viewers shocked by Stephen Bunting age comparison
While the Bullet may have played like a veteran on Wednesday evening, fans were absolutely shocked to learn that the English darter was just thirty-nine years of age.
Fans flooded social media, comparing the World semi-finalist to a host of other 39-year-old athletes, with people pointing out that Bunting is younger than both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lewis Hamilton.
Two of the greatest 39 year old athletes 👏 https://t.co/3Lht06PkUX pic.twitter.com/d52mzwETv9
— george (@StokeyyG2) January 1, 2025
Stephen Bunting is 3 months younger than Lewis Hamilton 🤯 pic.twitter.com/hAiO4Cfnji
— ali (@dxbestani) January 2, 2025
Other fans were left wondering how people were surprised by Luke Littler's age but not by the fact that the Bullet was yet to turn forty.
Everyone goes on about Luke Littler being 17, but I think I'm more amazed at how both Ryan Joyce and Stephen Bunting have yet to turn 40.
There’s absolutely no way on earth Stephen Bunting is 39 years of age 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
— Joe (@Joeshrewsbury30) January 1, 2025
Hold on. Stephen Bunting is 39? I genuinely thought he was mid 50s
— luke (@louorns) December 30, 2024
Although playing the youngest player remaining in the competition won't do the perception of Bunting's age any favours, the 39-year-old is quickly becoming a fan favourite at the Ally Pally and at home, with people all over applauding his aura and the raucous crowd going mental for his legendary walk-ons and general positive vibes.
"Shoot me down but I won't fall" 🎶
Stephen Bunting's walk-on never misses 🎯 pic.twitter.com/54ivrEGls0— Sky Sports (@SkySports) December 20, 2024
Should Bunting be able to continue his flying form and muster a win versus Bunting on Thursday evening, he'll set up a final versus either Michael Van Gerwen or Chris Dobey
