Stephen Bunting Weathers Significant Scare while The Indian pioneer Creates History for Indian Darts.
The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to progress into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.
'The Bullet', who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
An Eventful Encounter
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Yet, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“Performing at Alexandra Palace you go through all the emotions,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Landmark Win
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, suggested this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“Words fail me right now. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Additional Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed 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 fellow newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
- 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 American Stowe Buntz.
