'The Bullet' Endures Huge Fright while 'The Royal Bengal' Secures A Landmark for India.
The tournament's fourth seed survived a monumental scare to advance into the next stage of the world darts championship on Sunday.
Bunting, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the first set. Victory seemed assured after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
However, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“Performing at Ally Pally you go through all the feelings,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the pioneering Indian at the tournament. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, suggested this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing 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, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
