IT'S WORTH A BUNT

Bullet reckons hypnotist could help Smith snap out of slump

- MIKE WALTERS

STEPHEN BUNTING says hypnotism saved his career - but rival Michael Smith could be heading for the last trance saloon.

'The Bullet' was Lakeside world champion in 2014 but struggled to make an impact on the Professional Darts Corporation circuit until hypnotherapist Chris O'Connor rekindled Bunting's fortunes.

Now the world No.8 is enjoying a new lease of life on the oche, while 'Bully Boy' Smith needs to arrest a slide down the rankings.

Both players are from St Helens, both are former world champions and both have experienced career peaks and troughs but only one of them is on an upward trajectory.