'The Bullet' Survives Huge Fright as The Indian pioneer Secures A Landmark for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to advance into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Battle
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the first set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
However, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“Performing at Alexandra Palace you experience all the feelings,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Creates Historic Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, remarked this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Further Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing 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 debutant, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 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.
