The Merseyside thrower Weathers Huge Test while Nitin Kumar Secures A Landmark for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
Bunting, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“Competing at Ally Pally you go through all the emotions,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Landmark Win
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the championship. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, suggested this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” Kumar stated. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Other Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
