Stephen Bunting celebrated his first Premier League victories of the season by recreating Lionel Messi's now-iconic World Cup picture.
On a dramatic Thursday night in Berlin, the previously winless Bunting defeated Nathan Aspinall, Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price to pick up maximum points on night nine in the German capital.
The 39-year-old, who previously had the unwanted record of losing all eight of his opening games in the Premier League, landed a 107 checkout in a last-leg decider against Price to secure victory.
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Speaking after his win over Price at the Uber Arena, an emotional Bunting gave an insight into his preparations ahead of night nine. “I’ve put a lot of work in behind the scenes," he said.
"I have given 110% every week and tonight I’ve won an event," the much-loved St Helens thrower added. "I’m so happy. I felt so good in the practice room tonight. I even hit a nine-darter earlier on."
After a few hours sleep, Bunting decided to recreate one of Lionel Messi's most iconic pictures by sleeping with his trophy. He soon uploaded a picture to his social media channels alongside an emotional caption.
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"OMG. WOW. What can I say. This trophy has to be one of the best I’ve been in bed with," he began.
"From the sheer turmoil of not winning a game in the first 8 weeks of the Premier League, to then winning 3 on the night and claiming night 9 in Berlin. What an amazing feeling. I’m so proud I showed grit and determination and I never once gave in.
"It’s always a great feeling when you bounce back off the canvas and the sweet taste this has left gives me massive confidence pushing forward.
"I’d like to thank my family (Keila, Toby & Theo) who have been inspiring me to keep believing even when things go wrong. Massive thanks to my manager who’s always there through thick and thin and we are a great team together.
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"Massive thanks to my sponsors who put their faith in me to be the best I can be and I’m proud for your support guys.
"And last but by no means least… a huge huge thanks to the fans, I know supporting me can sometimes be difficult and rest assured that whenever I go up on the stage or to the oche I always give 110%. This victory isn’t just for me guys, you all share this with me and I can’t thank you all enough."
Bunting added: "You really are an inspiration every time I step on the stages. The let’s go bunting mental chant is so loud now and the walk on… what can I say… it leaves me so emotional that you guys sing it back in such a way it warms my heart. I love you all."
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The Premier League Darts will return to our screens on April 10 as the likes of Luke Littler and Michael van Gerwen compete at the AO Arena in Manchester. Bunting will face Luke Humphries in his opener.
Topics: Darts, Lionel Messi
Jack Kenmare