Stephen Bunting underlined his status among darts’ elite with a commanding 8-3 victory over compatriot Luke Woodhouse to win the Swiss Darts Trophy, his second European Tour crown of the year and sixth title of a prolific 2025 season.
The world No. 4 was in imperious touch at the St Jakobshalle, averaging just under 104 in a final that showcased the consistency which has carried him to the top of the sport. After missing six darts at double in the opening leg, Bunting quickly settled, moving into a 3-1 lead before Woodhouse briefly steadied with a hold of throw. Any hopes of a fightback were swiftly extinguished as 'The Bullet' reeled off legs with clinical scoring, including an 11-darter, to wrap up the win.
“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.”
Bunting’s day began with a 6-3 win over Krzysztof Ratajski before brushing aside Raymond van Barneveld in the quarter-finals. He then survived a scare in the semi-final against Gian van Veen, edging the Dutchman 7-6 despite squandering a 4-0 lead and facing a match dart.
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.”
For Woodhouse, the final was only the second of his PDC career and capped a breakthrough weekend. The 36-year-old impressed with his finishing throughout Sunday, ousting Jermaine Wattimena, edging past last year’s runner-up Ryan Searle after a missed match dart, and ending Cor Dekker’s fairytale run in the semi-finals with a clinical 70% checkout rate.
“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.”
Dekker’s run had included dramatic last-leg wins over Chris Dobey and Jonny Clayton, while Van Veen accounted for Ryan Joyce and Rob Cross to reach the semi-finals. Elsewhere, the defending champion Martin Schindler went out to Clayton despite averaging over 100, and world No. 1 Luke Humphries fell to Searle in the last 16.
Van Barneveld’s whitewash of Ritchie Edhouse secured his place at the World Grand Prix, eliminating Dave Chisnall in the race for qualification.
The European Tour season concludes next month with the German Darts Championship in Hildesheim, where Peter Wright will attempt to defend his title.