'The Bullet' Survives Significant Fright while Nitin Kumar Secures A Landmark for India.
The tournament's fourth seed edged through a tense battle to move into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Rollercoaster Match
Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the first set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“When you are playing at this venue you experience all the emotions,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the championship. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round matches, implied this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgian 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 clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch 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.
