Stephen Bunting on Winmau World Masters alert as he reveals why he is wary of Willie Borland
Stephen Bunting admits he’s wary of nine-dart Scot Willie Borland.
The defending Masters champion faces the West Lothian star in Thursday’s opening session of the 2025 Winmau World Masters.
Bunting is huge favourite to progress, but he is wary of the Tartan terror who superbly dumped Dirk van Duijvenbode, Alan Soutar and Mickey Mansell to secure his place. The Bullet recalls his rival’s fabulous nine-darter against Bradley Brooks at the 2021 World Championships which rocketed him to prominence.
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Borland has struggled to those hit heights since, but Bunting remains cautious of the threat and said: “He’s a good player. I think no matter who you play, when you come in as reigning champ, it’s always going to be difficult. I need to make sure that I’m focused fully on my game and, hopefully, that’s good enough.
“I don’t think we’ve played many times. I do recall a game on the Pro Tour where I won, but it was quite a long time ago. But, obviously, he’s had some magical moments at the Worlds, the nine-darter and stuff. I watch a lot of darts, so I know quite a bit about him.
“Like I said, he’s a difficult opponent, but it was either going to be him or Mickey Mansell if he got through a last-leg decider. I’m really looking forward to the game.”
Bunting can’t wait to get going and said: “All the emotions that I felt last year, obviously, and my family down as well. The missus is coming down, so I’m really looking forward to that.
"It’s going to be a special thing. I’ve not tried to defend a title at the PDC as of yet, so it’s a different feeling. I won the tournament last year and I had a really successful season, so I’m hoping for more of the same.”
