‘Bunting Responds’ – Clinical Performance Secures Belfast Honours as Rock Lands Nine
A night defined by precision and response. Stephen Bunting arrived in Belfast without a win from the opening three rounds of the 2026 BetMGM Premier League. He departed the SSE Arena with the Night Four title, the £10,000 bonus and renewed momentum in his campaign.
Across three matches, Bunting delivered controlled, high-standard darts to overcome Luke Humphries, Jonny Clayton and Gian van Veen, climbing the table in the process. Alongside his victory, Josh Rock produced a moment of technical perfection on home soil, striking a nine-darter that resonated far beyond Belfast.
Bunting established authority early. A 106.63 average his highest in Premier League competition , underpinned a 6-4 quarter-final win over Humphries. Converting 75% of his attempts at double, he managed the critical phases with composure and efficiency.
The semi-final elevated the level further.
Facing league leader Clayton, Bunting delivered a 6-0 whitewash, again averaging north of 106. Scoring pressure was sustained throughout, and finishing remained exact. It was a performance built on structure, rhythm and execution under pressure.
By the final, the standard had been set.
2026 BetMGM Premier League
Night Four – SSE Arena, Belfast
Thursday February 26
Quarter-Finals
Jonny Clayton 6-3 Luke Littler
Stephen Bunting 6-4 Luke Humphries
Gerwyn Price 6-5 Michael van Gerwen
Gian van Veen 6-2 Josh Rock
Semi-Finals
Stephen Bunting 6-0 Jonny Clayton
Gian van Veen 6-5 Gerwyn Price
Van Veen continued an impressive debut season, reaching his third final in four nights. He navigated past Rock, despite conceding a nine-darter before averaging over 105 in a deciding-leg victory against Price to secure another final appearance.
The Final
Stephen Bunting 6-2 Gian van Veen
Bunting made the sharper start, capitalising on early opportunities to build a 4-1 advantage. Van Veen reduced the deficit, but control never fully shifted.
Scoring remained consistent. As the line approached, doubling tightened further.
A composed 13-dart finish sealed a 6-2 victory for Bunting.
Bunting’s first nightly win since April 2025 and moved him into fifth place in the standings.
Rock’s Nine-Dart Precision
Although eliminated in the quarter-finals, Josh Rock produced the defining highlight of the evening.
Trailing 5-1 against Van Veen, the Northern Irishman delivered two maximums followed by a 141 finish on double 12 to complete a nine-dart leg. The execution was exact, the timing significant.
It was the first nine-darter of the 2026 campaign and earned Rock a custom-made set of solid gold darts valued at £30,000.
Even in defeat, it served as a reminder of the performance level he is capable of producing and delivering it on home soil ensured the moment resonated not only inside the arena, but with viewers watching worldwide.
League Picture
Van Veen’s consistency continues to generate points. Clayton remains firmly positioned near the summit despite the semi-final defeat, while Bunting’s breakthrough victory compresses the mid-table margins.
| NW | MW | L | +/- | Legs Won | LWAT | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonny Clayton | 1 | 6 | 3 | +12 | 45 | 19 |
| Gian van Veen | 0 | 6 | 4 | +2 | 49 | 15 |
| Michael van Gerwen | 1 | 5 | 2 | +6 | 38 | 17 |
| Gerwyn Price | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 | 37 | 15 |
| Stephen Bunting | 1 | 3 | 3 | +3 | 27 | 5 |
| Luke Humphries | 0 | 2 | 4 | -3 | 28 | 9 |
| Luke Littler | 0 | 1 | 4 | -10 | 18 | 8 |
| Josh Rock | 0 | 0 | 4 | -16 | 8 | 3 |
Night Four was built on measured performance and decisive execution. Bunting delivered when the opportunity presented itself.
Belfast also produced a moment of technical excellence from Rock that will remain a reference point in this year’s campaign.
Night Four – Key Insights
180s: 36
Highest Average: 106.63 (Stephen Bunting)
Highest Checkout: 167 (Gian van Veen)
Nine-Darters: 1 (Josh Rock)
Night Five – Utilita Arena, Cardiff
Thursday March 5
Quarter-Finals
Michael van Gerwen v Luke Humphries
Gian van Veen v Jonny Clayton
Gerwyn Price v Stephen Bunting
Luke Littler v Josh Rock
The roadshow moves to Cardiff.
Clayton and Price return to home soil. Bunting builds on renewed momentum. Rock looks to convert performance into points.
Four nights in, the margins are tightening and standards remain uncompromising.
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