2024 Baltic Sea Darts Open tips: Stephen Bunting can challenge high-flying Luke Littler in Kiel

The German city of Kiel plays host to the latest PDC European event as 48 players battle for the £30,000 prize.

Dave Chisnall enters the tournament as defending champion, though there’s certainly no prizes for guessing who the favourite for the 2024 title is.

Littler is the dominant force in world darts at the moment, cleaning up the majority of events he competes in.

The 17-year-old is dominating the ongoing Premier League Darts campaign and is also looking for his third tournament win on the PDC European tour.

Bearing that in mind, the big question ahead of the weekend is who can possibly take out the youngster and challenge for the title in Germany?

One man who tickles our fancy is Stephen Bunting. The Masters champion often comes under the radar despite enjoying a strong season on the continental circuit.

The Bullet has reached two semi-finals in his previous three European Tour events and has also performed well in recent Players Championship outings.

Michael Smith is another name that is worth considering. Bully Boy is battling with the pain of gout, though that didn’t stop him from winning the Players Championship 9 event on Monday.

Speaking of Michael’s, one to avoid is the out-of-form Michael Van Gerwen. The Dutchman is in the midst of a real dip in form, bowing out in the first round of his last three events.

MVG is not the only one struggling. Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton are all among big names who are under performing at the moment.

With that in mind, Luke Littler is our main pick for the Baltic Sea Darts Open. However, if you’re looking for an outsider, Stephen Bunting is your man.

 

Suggested bets

NAP – Luke Littler

Dark horse – Stephen Bunting