Announcements

STEPHEN Bunting has had a confidence boost as one of three St Helens throwers featuring in the Unibet European Championship in Belgium, starting this afternoon.

His run to the semi finals of the Players’ Championship in Coventry on Saturday was his best display in a ranking event since March’s UK Open.

Before bowing out to young Dutchman Benito van de Pas 6-2, he ended the hopes of Ross Smith 6-2, Jim Walker 6-2, Vincent van der Voort 6-1, Ricky Evans 6-5 and Joe Cullen 6-4.

He will look to build on this performance at the Ethias Arena in Hasselt, with company from fellow St Helens darters Dave Chisnall and Michael Smith in an event broadcast live on ITV4.

Bunting faces Ian White in this afternoon's session between 12.45pm and 5pm (UK time), while Chisnall opens against Mensur Suljovic in tonight's action between 7pm and 11pm.

The St Helens pair will square up together on Saturday afternoon if they both progress.

Smith’s first opponent will be Gerwyn Price this afternoon, with a potential meeting to come against Phil Taylor or Vincent van der Voort in round two on Saturday night.

Michael Van Gerwen will begin his defence of the title against debutant Jeffrey de Zwaan.