Of all the continental journeys for darting purposes, this latest trip abroad for Stephen won’t feature heavily in his career highlight reel.

With the Pro Tour returning to Germany, the Bullet was looking for a couple of deep runs. Unfortunately, it was to be just the single win.

Opening day in Hildesheim ended in a first round defeat to PDC newcomer, Adam Warner with the Sheffield man edging their contest 6-4.

Frustratingly, it was Stephen who registered the higher average, clocking in at 93.32 which was nearly five points in excess of his opponent. But it was just the 20% double percentage which hurt the Liverpudlian as he fell at the first hurdle.

The following day began brighter. After solid 6-4 win over Callan Rydz with a ton plus average, Bunting would have been hoping to build on that.

However, Joe Murnan had other ideas and with the former Lakeside World Champion uncharacteristically slipping well below a 90 average it wasn’t to be.

Stephen did recover well from a 3-0 early deficit to the man formerly known as Shaggy to get within one leg. But Murnan reeled off the next three to end a miserable couple of days in Deutschland for the Bullet.

Afterwards, Steve said: “Naturally I’m hugely disappointed. For some reason or another, it just didn’t happen for me this week.

“Did ok on the first day but my doubles cost me. Then today, I began really well and played some excellent stuff against Callan [Rydz] but couldn’t maintain it in my next match.

“Yes, I am frustrated right now but that’s darts! You take the highs with the lows, reload and go again. I’ll be back fighting in the next event.”