'The Bullet' Endures Major Test while The Indian pioneer Secures History for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to move into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Rollercoaster Match
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
However, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“When you are playing at this venue you go through all the emotions,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “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 Creates Historic Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round matches, suggested this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m overwhelmed, I’m thrilled,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Further Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgian 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 resounding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
