Stephen Bunting Stuns Opponent in PC22 Semi Before Cross Wins Title

Stephen Bunting showed his class on 17 June 2026, forcing Rob Cross into a tight semi‑final at Players Championship 22 in Wigan before the Englishman clinched the title.

Cross opened the match with three massive checkouts-170, 127 and 130-and surged to a 3‑1 lead over Bunting. The former World Matchplay champion kept his average above 104, while Bunting fought back with high scoring visits, narrowing the gap to 3‑2 before Cross sealed the win.

Bunting’s performance kept him in the conversation for the upcoming World Matchplay, proving he can still challenge the sport’s elite. His three‑dart average of over 104 against a player on a winning streak signals a resurgence that fans will be watching closely.

Rob Cross recovered from a slow start, winning seven straight matches to claim the £15,000 prize. He defeated Dutch qualifier Maik Kuivenhoven 8‑5 in the final, posting a 98.91 tournament average and securing his 11th Players Championship crown.

Cross’s victory practically guarantees his spot at the World Matchplay in July, while Bunting will look to build on his strong showing in the next ProTour events. Kuivenhoven, meanwhile, earned his first Players Championship final appearance, a milestone that could boost his confidence on the circuit.

The Wigan showdown highlighted the depth of the current darts field, with seasoned veterans and rising talents colliding in high‑stakes matches. Fans can expect more drama as the season heads toward its marquee events.