‘I won’t slag folks off.. but it was weird’ – Ex-world champ takes aim at Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting for behaviour

DAVE CHISNALL has called out Luke Littler and Stephen Bunting’s “weird behaviour” in the World Darts Championship semi-final.

Littler thrashed 39-year-old Bunting in quick fashion as he wrapped up a 6-1 victory to reach the final.

Littler went on to become the youngest-ever world champion at 17 as he cast aside Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in a spectacular final at Ally Pally.

But the friendly atmosphere on stage between Bunting and Littler during their high-scoring semi-final has been called out by Chisnall.

Former world champ Chisnall questioned the lack of competitiveness on display.

During the match, Littler and Bunting fist-bumped after every set.

While Bunting celebrated after his younger opponent landed a 170 check-out in the final set.

Chisnall wrote for Kwiff: “The one big disappointment of the semi-finals was my pal Stephen Bunting.

“He was phenomenal in the first set, but will have been gutted to lose it 3-2, despite the high averages.

“I’m not one for gamesmanship and you won’t hear me slagging folk off, but I did think the fist bumps after every set was a bit weird.

“It was noticeable that Michael was having none of it in the final!

“He looked to be getting back to his best during the Worlds, which will be a worry for most of us other lads on tour.

“He missed too many doubles in the final, but he’ll be back. There aren’t too many folk three-time World Champion in their 30s.”.   

Bunting and Littler are friendly away from the oche, despite their comical digs about their favourite football teams.

The semi-finalists were named alongside Van Gerwen, Rob Cross, Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price, Chris Dobey and Nathan Aspinall for the Premier League.

It meant World No6 Chisnall was among the stars that missed out on selection.