The Merseyside thrower Survives Significant Scare as The Indian pioneer Makes A Landmark for India.
Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to progress into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
'The Bullet', who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Encounter
Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the first set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Yet, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the emotions,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge 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 event. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round matches, suggested this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “With belief, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Additional First-Round Results
- 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 managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle 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.
