The Merseyside thrower Survives Huge Fright as The Indian pioneer Secures History for India.
Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to progress into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Battle
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the first set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“Performing at Alexandra Palace you experience all the feelings,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Historic Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the initial victor from India at the tournament. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, implied this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I don’t know at this moment. I’m overwhelmed, I’m thrilled,” Kumar stated. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years from now if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Other Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, dashed 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 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.
