Premier League Darts 2026: Stephen Bunting Post First Nigtly Win In Belfast

Stephen Bunting silenced his critics in spectacular fashion as he stormed to victory on Night Four of the Premier League Darts in Belfast, while Josh Rock sent the SSE Arena into raptures with a sensational nine-dart finish and Luke Littler’s difficult start to the campaign continued.

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At the SSE Arena, it was a night packed with drama, redemption and perfection.

Bunting answers the doubters

Coming into Belfast without a win from the opening three weeks, Stephen Bunting had faced mounting scrutiny over his place in this year’s line-up. By the end of the evening, the 40-year-old had emphatically answered every question.

Nicknamed “The Bullet”, Bunting produced a string of elite performances to collect five priceless points. He began by defeating defending champion Luke Humphries 6-4 in the quarter-finals, posting a superb 106.63 average- his highest of this Premier League campaign.

If that was impressive, what followed was ruthless.

Bunting whitewashed league leader Jonny Clayton 6-0 in the semi-finals, registering another 106+ average to record the first clean sweep of the 2026 season. Clinical on the doubles and relentless in scoring, he looked transformed from the player who had struggled in the opening weeks.

That set up a final against Dutch debutant Gian van Veen, who was appearing in his third nightly final in four weeks. But Bunting was not to be denied. An early break set the tone before another in the fifth leg propelled him into a commanding 5-1 lead. He sealed a 6-2 victory on double top to complete a remarkable turnaround.

“I do believe I am one of the best players in the world – I deserve to be in the Premier League,” Bunting told Sky Sports.

“Everyone was writing me off, people saying I should not be in it, but I know how hard I work behind the scenes. These are the nights I play for.

“Losing seven or eight on the bounce last year really helped me, gave me a lot of experience in this field. When you play in the Premier League, you’re playing against the best of the best. This ranks up as one of the best wins of my career.”

Rock’s perfect moment

While Bunting lifted the trophy, the loudest roar of the night belonged to local hero Josh Rock.

Trailing 5-1 in his quarter-final against Van Veen, Rock produced a moment of pure perfection- a nine-dart finish, the first of this year’s Premier League. The 24-year-old sent the Belfast crowd into delirium as he pinned double 12 to complete the flawless leg.

Despite eventually losing 6-2- his fourth consecutive defeat by that score- Rock created a memory that will live long in Northern Irish sporting folklore. Though still waiting for his first win in the competition, he now has one of its defining highlights.

“My body is in overdrive. I am shaking like a leaf. It was a dream come true,” he said. “If I ever played in the Premier League, I’d love to hit a nine-darter in Belfast.

“I don’t care with losing. Hitting a nine-darter in front of my home crowd is a massive achievement in my eyes.

“I don’t care if I never throw a nine-darter again, this is a dream come true. I can’t explain how I feel.”

Also Read: Premier League Darts 2026: Prize Money Breakdown

Littler’s struggles continue

Elsewhere, world number one Luke Littler endured another frustrating evening. The 19-year-old was beaten 6-3 by Clayton in the opening quarter-final, meaning he has won just one match in four weeks.

Clayton punished missed opportunities from Littler, who hit only three of his 13 attempts at double. The Welshman also produced finishes of 156 and 168 to underline his authority.

For Littler, who arrived as one of the pre-tournament favourites, it marks an unexpectedly slow start to the campaign.

Price fightback, Van Veen consistency

There was also a thrilling comeback from Gerwyn Price, who recovered from 5-3 down to defeat Michael van Gerwen in a last-leg decider. Price rattled off three consecutive legs with heavy scoring and clinical finishing to complete the turnaround.

Van Veen, meanwhile, continued to impress despite falling short in the final. The Dutchman edged Rock before seeing off Price in a high-quality semi-final, showcasing composure beyond his experience. However, a third defeat in a nightly final will sting.

Table implications

Clayton remains top of the standings on 11 points, two clear of Van Veen. Bunting’s triumph lifts him into fifth place, above Littler and Humphries, while Rock remains bottom despite his magical moment.

Belfast delivered everything- redemption, perfection and unpredictability. For Bunting, it may prove a turning point. For Rock, it was a night of pride. And for Littler, the pressure is beginning to mount.

The Premier League roadshow moves on, but Night Four will be remembered for the roar that greeted perfection- and the resurgence of “The Bullet.”