The Merseyside thrower Survives Huge Test as Nitin Kumar Makes A Landmark for India.
Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to move into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Encounter
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Yet, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“Performing at this venue you go through all the emotions,” Bunting stated on Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He overcame the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, suggested this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Additional Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch 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.
