The Merseyside thrower Weathers Huge Fright while 'The Royal Bengal' Makes History for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to move into the next stage of the world darts championship on Sunday.
Bunting, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Encounter
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the first set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Nevertheless, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Alexandra Palace you experience all the feelings,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, suggested this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Additional Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, ended 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 identical 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
