Stephen Bunting Claims Swiss Darts Trophy Title

Bunting edges out Woodhouse in Swiss darts final

Stephen Bunting wins the Swiss Darts Trophy with an 8-3 victory over Luke Woodhouse. Read more...

“I’m No. 4 in the world, and that shows the consistency I’ve had. But you can’t take anything...”

Stephen Bunting dominated the Swiss Darts Trophy, securing his second European Tour title of the year with a convincing 8-3 win over Luke Woodhouse in the final. This victory marks Bunting's sixth title of the season, solidifying his position as one of the top players in the sport.

Bunting's impressive performance saw him average almost 104 in the final, showcasing his consistency and skill. After a shaky start where he missed six darts at double in the opening leg, Bunting quickly settled into his game, taking a 3-1 lead. Woodhouse managed to hold his throw in the fifth leg, but Bunting's momentum was unstoppable.

The turning point came when Bunting pulled ahead with clinical scoring, including an 11-darter, leaving Woodhouse struggling to keep up. A crucial 110 checkout by Bunting further widened the gap to 5-2, making it difficult for Woodhouse to mount a comeback. Ultimately, Bunting sealed the win with an 83 checkout, demonstrating his ruthless finishing ability.

“There’s a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes,” Bunting said. “I’m playing the best darts of my life. I feel consistently that I’m delivering, and this means a lot. Luke’s had a fantastic week, and I’m sure this will give him confidence going forward.”

Stephen Bunting's journey to the Swiss Darts Trophy title began with a solid 6-3 win over Krzysztof Ratajski. He then dominated Raymond van Barneveld 6-2 in the quarterfinals, showcasing his skill and form. However, his semifinal match against Gian van Veen was a nail-biter. Despite taking a 4-0 lead, Bunting faced a match dart and had to fight back to win 7-6, demonstrating his resilience and determination under pressure. This thrilling victory set him up for the final against Luke Woodhouse, where he ultimately emerged victorious with an 8-3 win.

The 2014 Lakeside champion reflected on his rise: “I’m No. 4 in the world, and that shows the consistency I’ve had. But you can’t take anything for granted; there are so many good players. I’ve got to keep working, keep practising, and hopefully a big title comes soon”

Luke Woodhouse's impressive run at the Swiss Darts Trophy culminated in his second PDC final appearance, marking a breakthrough weekend for the 36-year-old. He demonstrated exceptional finishing skills, particularly on Sunday, where he:

• Defeated Jermaine Wattimena: Woodhouse won 6-2 against Wattimena, showcasing his skill and form

• Overcame Ryan Searle: In a thrilling quarter-final match, Woodhouse edged past Searle 6-5 after Searle missed a match dart, highlighting Woodhouse's ability to perform under pressure

• Ended Cor Dekker's fairytale run: Woodhouse convincingly beat Dekker 7-3 in the semi-finals, boasting a clinical 70% checkout rate that underscored his strong finishing

Woodhouse's journey ultimately ended with an 8-3 loss to Stephen Bunting in the final. Despite the defeat, Woodhouse expressed optimism about his future prospects, believing his recent performance could be a springboard for further success.

“He scored so heavily and showed why he’s world No. 4,” Woodhouse said of Bunting. “I just couldn’t get close. But to reach a final is massive for me, and I hope this is the start of something I can build on.”

Bunting's win not only highlights his current form but also cements his position as a top contender for future tournaments. With this victory, he becomes only the third player in PDC history to achieve at least two Players Championships, two European Tour titles, and two World Series of Darts victories in a single year, joining elite company alongside Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler.

Cor Dekker's remarkable run in the tournament included thrilling last-leg victories over Chris Dobey and Jonny Clayton. His dramatic wins showcased his ability to perform under pressure and ultimately led to his meeting with Luke Woodhouse in the semi-finals, where he narrowly lost 7-3.

Gian van Veen secured his spot in the semi-finals with impressive wins over Ryan Joyce and Rob Cross. His victories highlighted his growing confidence and skill in major tournaments.

BUNTING WINS #ET13! 🏆

Stephen Bunting doubles his European Tour title tally for 2025, as he wins the Swiss Darts Trophy, and beats Luke Woodhouse 8-3!

📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8 #ET13 pic.twitter.com/OQgJl3BPtM

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) September 28, 2025

The early exits of top players added to the tournament's unpredictability. Defending champion Martin Schindler was eliminated by Jonny Clayton despite averaging over 100. World No. 1 Luke Humphries also suffered a surprise loss to Ryan Searle in the last 16.

In other news, Raymond van Barneveld secured his place at the World Grand Prix with a convincing whitewash victory over Ritchie Edhouse. This win also had implications for the qualification race, as it eliminated Dave Chisnall from contention.

The European Tour season will conclude next month with the German Darts Championship in Hildesheim. Peter Wright will look to defend his title in what promises to be an exciting finale to the season.