Stephen Bunting Breaks Premier League Winless Streak After Hypnotherapy Boost

Difficult Start: Bunting lost his first eight consecutive matches in the 2025 Premier League, leaving him bottom of the table with zero points.

Mental Fortitude: He revealed working with hypnotherapist Chris O'Connor helped him maintain a positive mindset despite the losses, drawing on coping mechanisms developed since his challenging Premier League debut in 2015.

2015 Reflection: Bunting described his initial Premier League relegation in 2015 as something that "killed him," feeling it was undeserved, but believes he's a stronger player now.

Practice Perfection: Shortly before his match in Berlin, Bunting hit a nine-darter in the practice room, an event captured and broadcast by Sky Sports, signalling a potential change in fortune.

Victory Secured: Bunting decisively beat Nathan Aspinall 6-2 on Night Nine in Berlin, averaging an impressive 103.4 to claim his first points of the season and end a 12-match winless run in the Premier League dating back to 2015.

Why this matters: Bunting's turnaround highlights the critical role of mental resilience and preparation in elite sports. It demonstrates that maintaining belief and employing psychological techniques can lead to breakthroughs even during prolonged difficult periods.

Q: How long was Stephen Bunting's winless streak in the Premier League?

A: Before his win in Berlin, Bunting had lost his first eight matches of the 2025 season. Combined with previous appearances, he endured a 12-match run without a win in the Premier League, dating back to April 2015.

Q: How did Stephen Bunting manage his mindset during the losing run?

A: Bunting worked with hypnotherapist Chris O'Connor. This helped him develop coping mechanisms, stay positive, and maintain belief in his ability despite the defeats.

Q: What significant event happened before Bunting's win in Berlin?

A: He hit a perfect nine-dart leg during his warm-up in the practice room, which was captured on camera and broadcast, providing a visible confidence boost before his match.

Resilience Pays Off: Bunting's experience shows that persistence and a positive attitude, even during setbacks, are crucial for eventual success.

Mental Game is Key: Elite sport is as much about mental strength as physical skill. Techniques like hypnotherapy can be valuable tools for athletes managing pressure.

Small Margins: Premier League Darts is unforgiving. Bunting noted tiny mistakes were being punished, highlighting the fine margins between winning and losing at the top level. His win shows how quickly fortunes can change.

Source 1: Stephen Bunting reveals how hypnotherapy helped rebuild career after crushing Premier League Darts dropping | Darts News | Sky Sports{:target="_blank"}

Source 2: (Based on The Sun article)

Source 3: (Based on SPORTbible article)