Stephen Bunting Survives Major Scare as 'The Royal Bengal' Secures A Landmark for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed narrowly avoided an early exit to progress into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
'The Bullet', who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced 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.
An Eventful Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. He looked in total control after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
However, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“Competing at Ally Pally you feel all the emotions,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m overwhelmed, I’m delighted,” Kumar stated. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Further Opening Day 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 first-timer, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 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 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.
