I’m a crane manager who smashed Peter Wright and is going to Ally Pally – but I won’t turn pro
CRANE manager and North American darts sensation Stowe Buntz thrashed Peter Wright at November’s Grand Slam of Darts.
The American newcomer who claimed he “will not turn pro” is heading to Ally Pally this week ahead of the 2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship.
Stowe Buntz is set to compete at the World Darts Championship later this weekRex
Buntz beat Peter Wright last month at the Grand Slam of DartsRex
Buntz, 44, is set to play Dutch debutant Kevin Doets on Friday, 15th December in the opening match of the tournament.
Late that evening the winner will face the reigning champ, Michael Smith.
The Virginia-born star has already smashed a host of stars this year during last months Grand Slam, including Wright, Stephen Bunting and Andrew Gilding.
On the opening night of the championship, the crane manager secured a 5-1 win with a 102 average.
But Buntz has confirmed he has no immediate plan to turn pro.
The American was born and raised in Portsmouth, Virginia and has worked as a crane and rigging manager for almost 25 years.
He said: “Maybe in a couple of years I will look to become a professional dart player, but it’s not something I’m considering at this moment.
“I’ve got a 16-year-old daughter, a 14-year-old son, a 12-year-old stepdaughter, and a seven-year-old stepdaughter, so getting them through school and education is priority number one.”
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Buntz who is inspired by Wright’s colourful attire – is now nicknamed “Neon Nightmare”.
He continued: “Peter is one of the guys I looked up to over many years of playing darts.
“Ronnie Baxter was the first player I really looked up to. I remember watching him in the old Premier League days with John Part, Roland Scholten, Raymond van Barneveld, Phil Taylor.
“Just the way he interacted with the crowd and played the game – it was really fun to watch.
“After he retired, Peter Wright became that next favourite player for me, so beating him at the Grand Slam was a dream come true.”
To secure his World Championship debut Buntz won three consecutive ProTour titles in August.
Only entering the darts scene 18 months ago he then went on to win October’s CDC Continental Cup and is now ready to have a successful stint at Ally Pally.
