'The Bullet' Endures Huge Scare as 'The Royal Bengal' Makes History for Indian Darts.
The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to progress into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Encounter
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the opening set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
However, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“Competing at Alexandra Palace you go through all the emotions,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Historic Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the pioneering Indian at the championship. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, remarked this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won 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 fellow newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
