Stephen Bunting claimed his first Premier League Darts victory in Berlin last night, ending a ten-year drought in the competition - and was immediately given a bizarre prize.
The 39-year-old Liverpudlian, nicknamed 'The Bullet', had endured a difficult start to this year's tournament, crashing out in the first round at every event across the opening eight weeks.
His triumph in the German capital prevented him from equalling Peter Wright's unwanted record of 13 consecutive Premier League matches without a win.
Bunting's last Premier League appearance came back in 2015, making this victory all the sweeter for the world No 5.
Stephen Bunting claimed his first Premier League Darts victory in Berlin last night, ending a ten-year drought in the competition - and was immediately given a bizarre prize
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The veteran produced a remarkable series of performances to secure the night nine victory in Berlin.
He began by defeating Nathan Aspinall in the quarter-finals.
The Bullet then continued his impressive form by overcoming world champion Luke Humphries in the last four.
In the final, Bunting completed his hat-trick of wins against top opposition by beating Gerwyn Price.
"The aim was to try and win one game, to be honest," Bunting admitted after his triumph.
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Stephen Bunting was given a bear figure after winning in Berlin on Thursday night
PDC
His three sensational displays earned him the trophy and a £10,000 prize.
The victory marked a stunning turnaround after failing to progress beyond the first round in any of the previous eight Premier League nights this season.
Alongside his trophy and cheque for £10,000, Bunting received an unusual additional prize - a figurine of a bear.
The special gift left some fans puzzled, but it represents an important German tradition.
The bear is the symbol of Berlin, and specially painted versions are traditionally presented to performers and athletes appearing at the Uber Arena.
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"I've won a massive trophy, I've got a bear, I'm just so glad to be back in the Premier League," Bunting said after his victory.
The unique memento will serve as a lasting reminder of his breakthrough night in the German capital.
Bunting was visibly emotional about ending his winless streak in the Premier League.
"It's still not sunk in, it has been a bit of a whirlwind," he said after the victory.
"I feel like I've played really well throughout the tournament and it's been a lonely place, but I've done it."
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"The crowd was fantastic tonight and I'm glad that I could give the German fans something back.
"I've not played in the Premier League for ten years, this my debut here in Berlin, it's a dream debut.
"I'll remember this for the rest of my life."
Bunting was keen to emphasise that his Premier League place was well-deserved despite his early struggles.
Stephen Bunting was too strong for Gerwyn Price in the Premier League on Thursday night
GETTY
"I've worked really hard over the last few years to push my rankings up to warrant my place in the Premier League," he stated.
"I really do believe I deserve to be here.
"There's a lot of negatives that happen on social media when you don't win games but this is one back to them.
"I know I'm good enough to be here. This is hopefully just the start of things to come."
