Stephen Bunting Weathers Significant Scare while The Indian pioneer Makes A Landmark for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed narrowly avoided an early exit to move into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the first set. He looked in total control after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
However, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“Performing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the emotions,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Landmark Win
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the championship. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had been defeated 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.
“Words fail me today. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “Dream big, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Further First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he comfortably defeated 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.
