The Merseyside thrower Endures Major Test while Nitin Kumar Creates A Landmark for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.
'The Bullet', who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was forced 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.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the first set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
However, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting found his rhythm in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Ally Pally you go through all the emotions,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Groundbreaking Win
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the initial victor from India at the championship. He overcame the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, remarked this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I don’t know today. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Other First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing 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, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer defeated 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 beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
