The Merseyside thrower Endures Huge Fright while Nitin Kumar Secures History for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed edged through a tense battle to move into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
'The Bullet', who was a 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.
An Eventful Encounter
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“Performing at this venue you go through all the emotions,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures Historic Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the first Indian winner 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 “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Additional Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 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 commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 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 overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
