COPENHAGEN — The opening night of the Mr Vegas Nordic Darts Masters descended into bizarre controversy after former world champion Stephen Bunting sensationally accused Sweden’s Viktor Tingstrom of winning by “fowl means” — sparking confusion, laughter, and outrage in equal measure.
In a first-round clash that had already raised eyebrows, Tingstrom produced a stunning 6–5 victory over the heavily favored Bunting. But the post-match drama far eclipsed the result on the oche.
An irate Bunting refused to shake Tingstrom’s hand, instead pointing toward the floor near the Scandinavian’s feet. Speaking to reporters moments later, Bunting did not hold back.
“Something was off from the first leg,” Bunting fumed. “I heard fluttering, I heard clucking — and then I saw it. He had a small feathered companion tucked behind his back leg. That’s not a darting technique; that’s a distraction. Using a live animal to unsettle your opponent? That’s fowl play in the purest sense.”
Bunting claimed Tingstrom had hidden a live chicken — which he later named “Clucky” — inside his oversized tour card holder pocket. According to Bunting, the bird was strategically released mid-match to break his concentration.
“Look, I’ve lost to players who were better on the night. But I’ve never lost to a man and his secret poultry partner,” Bunting added. “Every time I stepped up for a double, I heard ‘bawk-bawk’ right in my follow-through.”
Tingstrom, a 34-year-old from Stockholm known more for his calm demeanor than trickery, laughed off the allegations.
“Stephen is a great player, but tonight he’s seeing chickens that aren’t there,” Tingstrom said with a smile. “Maybe he should focus on his own game instead of looking for imaginary farm animals. I won fair and square — no birds, no tricks, just darts.”
However, eagle-eyed fans on social media later zoomed in on a video clip showing a small, golden-feathered bird scuttling behind the stage barrier during the 5th leg. Tournament officials declined to comment, though a PDC spokesperson noted that “no rule currently explicitly prohibits a player from having a support animal, provided it does not interfere with play.”
The incident has already become a viral sensation, with #FowlPlay and #CluckyTheCheat trending on X within hours. A bookmaker has even offered odds on whether the chicken will be named “Player of the Tournament.”
Bunting has formally requested a post-match review, though he admitted he was unsure how officials would verify his claims.
“Check his room. Check his luggage. That bird is a ringer,” Bunting insisted. “Tingstrom didn’t beat me. Clucky beat me. And that’s a fowl result.”
Tingstrom is scheduled to face Michael van Gerwen in the quarterfinals. When asked if he would bring “Clucky” along, Tingstrom winked and replied: “I’m not saying yes — but I’m not saying no. Let’s just say, I like my chances.”
