Stephen Bunting produced a stunning performance to win Premier League Night Four in Belfast, while Josh Rock delivered a nine-darter amid Luke Littler’s latest early exit.
Bunting ousted defending champion Luke Humphries 6-4 in the quarter-finals, whitewashed Jonny Clayton 6-0 in the semi-final and beat Gian van Veen 6-2 in the final to take the nightly victory. He went from zero points to five on the season, averaging 106.63 against Humphries and 106.09 in the 6-0 win over Clayton, before a 97.15 average in the final.
Night Four results — SSE Arena, Belfast
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
Final
– Stephen Bunting 6-2 Gian van Veen
Bunting said stepping away from social media, working with a strong team and even trying hypnotherapy helped him regain confidence. He added that overcoming a tough run last year taught him a lot and that he believes he belongs among the game’s best.
Littler’s struggles continued as the 19-year-old from Warrington managed just one win so far this season and sits seventh after four nights. Conway-style finishing woes hurt him in the quarter-final (3/13 on doubles against Clayton). Laura Turner noted there is still time for him to turn things around but his form is not clicking yet.
Gerwyn Price fought back to beat Michael van Gerwen in a last-leg decider, posting another 100+ average and finishing with two 22-dart legs. Gian van Veen reached his third Premier League final of the season after edging Price 6-5 in the semi, averaging 105.22 and landing a 160 checkout.
Josh Rock, still bottom of the table and yet to earn a point on debut, produced a perfect nine-darter in his quarter-final against van Veen. The flawless eighth leg brought the crowd to its feet and earned Rock a £30,000 custom set of 18ct solid gold darts. He described the moment as a dream come true but was visibly shaken; van Veen still won the match 6-2, hitting three ton-plus checkouts.
Commentators praised Rock’s achievement but warned a nine-darter doesn’t mask broader issues — he needs more consistent performances. Humphries has averaged 102+ in five of six games across the four nights but has converted only two wins so far, with finishing proving costly at times.
Looking ahead to Night Five (Utilita Arena, Cardiff, Thursday March 5):
Quarter-finals
– Michael van Gerwen vs Luke Humphries
– Gian van Veen vs Jonny Clayton
– Gerwyn Price vs Stephen Bunting
– Luke Littler vs Josh Rock
The Premier League continues weekly on Sky Sports as Humphries defends his title and the race for points intensifies.