- One of the biggest stars of the world championship has been criticized for his actions
- Luke Littler starred and became the youngest champion in history at just 17 years old.
- A former world championship seed lamented one of Littler's opponents
Stephen Bunting's behavior towards Luke Littler in the PDC World Championship semi-final has been described as “a bit strange” by a former tournament seed.
Littler became the youngest world champion in history at the age of 17, when he dominated Michael van Gerwen in a spectacular final at Alexandra Palace, having previously beaten Bunting in a final four showdown.
The teenage sensation quickly defeated Bunting, 39, as he emerged 6-1 winners in the semi-final and his second successive title decider on darts' grandest stage.
However, the amicable circumstances in which Bunting and Littler played their high-scoring tie have now come under fire from one former professional who questioned the lack of competitiveness.
The pair shared many fist bumps, smiles and hugs throughout their match, even when Littler posted a 170 checkout to increase his lead in the deciding clash.
There was no similar display of sportsmanship in the final between Littler and Van Gerwen and former PDC star Dave Chisnall has posted his feelings about how Bunting may have been unnerved by Littler's friendly nature.
Stephen Bunting's behavior towards Luke Littler in the PDC World Championship semi-final has been described as “a bit strange” by a former tournament seed.
Bunting and Littler shared friendly exchanges during the PDC World Championship semi-final
“The big disappointment of the semi-finals was my friend Stephen Bunting,” Chisnall wrote for Kwiff.
He was phenomenal in the first set, but he must have been destroyed by losing 3-2, despite the high averages.
“I'm not someone who has any game skills and you won't hear me criticize people, but I did think the fist bumps after each set were a little strange.
“You could tell Michael (Van Gerwen) didn't have any of that in the final!” he added.
Littler (left) became world champion after dominating Bunting (right) in the final four.
Dave Chisnall described Bunting's overly sporting behavior with Littler as “bizarre”
Bunting and Littler shook hands several times throughout the match with a place in the final at stake
“He seemed to be getting back to his best during the World Cup, which will be a concern for most of us other guys on the tour.”
“He missed too many doubles in the final, but he will be back. There are not many three-time world champions aged 30,” Chisnall said.
Meanwhile, the pair will have the chance to showcase their rivalry again when they meet in the Premier League after they were both named in the competing star list.
Bunting and Littler were named alongside the likes of Van Gerwen, Rob Cross and Luke Humphries for the Premier League, while Chisnall is among the stars not selected.