Stephen Bunting is hoping to cap off a wonderful World Series of Darts campaign in style at this weekend’s SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters.
The year’s seventh and final World Series of Darts event will take place at the Spark Arena in Auckland on August 15-16, with Bunting amongst the leading contenders for the title.
The 40-year-old will take on five-time World Championship qualifier Ben Robb in Friday’s first round, and Bunting is expecting a tough test against the home favourite.
“It will be a difficult game,” acknowledged Bunting, who is relishing his return to New Zealand.
“Ben was probably one of the players you didn’t want to draw, but I played really well in Australia, I’m coming here in good form and I’m looking forward to that match.”
Bunting arrives in New Zealand as the number one seed – a position he has occupied throughout this year’s global roadshow.
The world number four currently boasts an eight-point lead over his closest challenger Gerwyn Price on the World Series of Darts rankings, having amassed 46 points from six events in 2025.
The Liverpudlian will be the top seed in September’s World Series of Darts Finals if he can retain top spot this weekend, which provides even greater incentive for a strong showing in Auckland.
“This year took me back to when I first joined the PDC,” revealed Bunting, who has been an ever-present on the World Series circuit this year.
“I was riding the crest of a wave, my confidence was high and I was playing in the Premier League.
“I have to give myself a pat on the back for getting back in this position, but I don’t want it to be a one-off this time. I want to be involved for years to come.
“I’ve loved every minute of the World Series, and if I can go all the way and finish top of the rankings it would be a massive achievement.
“It’s something I’ve worked really hard for. I’ve enjoyed every part of the World Series, and to be the number one all the way through would be something special.”
Bunting could also join an exclusive club this weekend, as he bids to emulate Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson by claiming a hat-trick of World Series of Darts titles in the same calendar year.
Even Michael van Gerwen – the most successful player in World Series of Darts history – is yet to accomplish this feat, and Bunting has history in his sights at the Spark Arena.
“It would mean the world to me,” continued the former Masters champion.
“To be in the same company as the likes of Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson would be amazing.
“I believe I can do it. I’ve got a tough first game, but hopefully that will settle me into the tournament and then we’ll see how far I can go.”
The 2025 New Zealand Darts Masters will be broadcast live on Sky in New Zealand and Fox Sports in Australia, through DAZN in Germany, Austria and Switzerland and on PDCTV in all other global territories.
UK fans can also watch live on PDCTV and ITVX, with delayed coverage on ITV4 beginning from 1900 BST on Friday, and 1700 BST on Saturday.
2025 SkyCity New Zealand Darts Masters
Friday August 15 (1900 NZST)
First Round
Mike De Decker v Gordon Mathers
Josh Rock v John Hurring
Gerwyn Price v Jonny Tata
Damon Heta v Dean Reyland
Stephen Bunting v Ben Robb
Luke Humphries v Haupai Puha
Luke Littler v Mark Cleaver
Chris Dobey v Simon Whitlock
Best of 11 legs