'The Bullet' Weathers Huge Scare as 'The Royal Bengal' Makes History for India.
Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Encounter
Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Yet, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“Performing at this venue you feel all the feelings,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m thrilled,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Additional Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 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 commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form 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.
