ST HELENS-based darter Stephen Bunting has had his name etched into the one of the oldest and most prestigious trophies on the circuit after producing some blistering performances to take out the Winmau World Masters.

Bunting’s name sits alongside those of such arrows legends John Lowe, Eric Bristow and Phil Taylor on the plinth of the huge trophy after toppling the experienced Tony O’Shea in the final in Hull.

The 27-year-old, who lives in Newtown and still throws regularly for Our Lady’s in Parr, won the Gold Cup in July but this is his first major televised tournament triumph.

Although the man, nicknamed The Bullet, was back in work at A180 Darts in Carr Mill this week, he could not hide his delight as he surveyed his trophy double.

He said: “It is the second biggest title on the BDO so it is big achievement.

“It has always been a dream of mine to win a televised tournament, although it is not the World title, it is the second biggest there is and it means an awful lot for myself and my family.”

Winning the Masters sees Bunting complete a unique double – 11 years ago he won the Boys title at the same event.

“I have been throwing darts since I was aged 12 and won the Winmau World Youth title 11 years ago. It means I have become the first person to win that and the Men’s title. That in itself is a big thing for me,” he said.

Although kept busy on the BDO circuit Bunting still plays local league darts, throwing a lot in Liverpool, but also keeping his eye in and his feet on the ground by throwing for Our Lady’s, Parr on a Thursday.

But now he has one major challenge on the horizon – January’s BBC televised BDO World Championship at Lakeside.

He goes into that tournament as number one seed, but has been handed a tough draw against James Wilson.

Bunting said: “I have been chasing Lakeside for years. This will be my sixth attempt but I am going into it more prepared than I have ever done before. “I have proved to myself that I can win a TV title so I am definitely ready for it.

“This one is on BBC – people don’t realise how big the viewing figures are for this sort of tournament. If I can win that that would definitely finish off my trophy cabinet.”