Bunting wins the Masters to claim first PDC major title
Stephen Bunting beat Michael van Gerwen 11-7 to win the Masters and secure his first PDC major title in an epic final at Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes.
Bunting had the advantage for the majority of the game and wrapped up victory against the Dutchman with a checkout of 56.
The Bullet outscored the five-time winner with a 102.50 average compared to MVG's 98.27 and the 38-year-old also grabbed the most 180s in a gripping finale.
Bunting was visibly emotional after securing his first major title and could be seen wiping away tears on the stage in the aftermath.
He said: "To do it in front of a crowd that is chanting your name from the moment you step foot in Milton Keynes right until the last, it honestly means a lot to me.
"I've been in the PDC for a lot of years now and promised myself I wasn't going to cry on TV.
"But this means an awful lot, it shows that the practise is paying off.
"I'm lost for words, I'm really lost for words."
Bunting beat Ross Smith 6-5 in the first round before triumphing over world champion Luke Humphries 10-7 in the second round on Saturday.
Less than 24 hours later, the world no16 demolished Peter Wright 10-2 and went on to then thrash Nathan Aspinall 11-1.
The Merseysider has become a popular figure through videos on social media platform TikTok and now can boast his greatest achievement to all of his followers.
Van Gerwen, who won the title in five consecutive years between 2015 and 2019, dumped Bunting out of the World Championship last 16 in late December.
But he could not match Bunting's throws in this final and the seasoned professional deservedly claimed the trophy and a £65,000 reward.