Bunting confirms switch to PDC in bid to take down the ‘big boys’
Published:Lakeside World Champion Stephen Bunting has announced he will be leaving the BDO to join the PDC and is 33/1 to make a dream start to his new era with a win in his first visit to Ally Pally.
The 28-year-old said in the wake of his 7-4 final victory over Alan Norris at Frimley Green that he wanted to defend his title but the lure of extra money and increased television coverage has turned his head.
“It’s been an absolutely massive decision for me to make and a very difficult decision.
“I’ve loved my time in the BDO. I’ve won everything I can in the BDO now and was just looking for a new challenge.” Bunting told www.pdc.tv.
Bunting follows in the footsteps of many of the now established stars of Barry Hearn’s PDC including Phil Taylor, Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld.
The Liverpudlian has also spoken of his desire to compete in the lucrative Premier League which starts on the 30th January, citing a long-held dream of playing in front of his own fans.
“That’s a big ambition. The thing that appeals to me more than anything about the Premier League is that there’s a venue in Liverpool, and to play in front of my home crowd in the next few years would be absolutely amazing.”
PDC chairman Barry Hearn wasted no time in greeting his new charge, tweeting: “Welcome Stephen Bunting to the PDC. Exciting times for darts and I’m delighted he is joining the PDC Pro Tour.”
Whilst reigning world champion Van Gerwen and 16-time victor Phil Taylor still dominate the market at 6/4 and 9/4 respectively it will be intriguing to see how the new recruit fares.
What is for certain is that BDO’s loss is very much PDC’s gain.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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