HYP HYP HOORAY

Bunting: Hypnotism saved my career and it could do the same for Bully Boy Smith

- MIKE WALTERS

STEPHEN BUNTING says hypnotism saved his career and now Michael Smith could be heading for the last trance saloon.

The 'Bullet' was Lakeside world champion in 2014.

But he struggled to make an impact on the Professional Darts Corporation circuit until hypnotherapist Chris O'Connor rekindled his mojo.

Now the world No.8 is enjoying a new lease of life on the oche while 'Bully Boy' Smith (below) needs to find the handbrake to arrest aslide down the rankings.

Both players are from St Helens, both are former world champions and both have experienced the rollercoaster's peaks and troughs - but only one of them is now heading up the charts.

Bunting, who faces Madars Razma in the third round of the Paddy Power PDC World Championship after Christmas, says it's up to Smith whether he seeks outside help.