The Merseyside thrower Endures Huge Test while Nitin Kumar Secures A Landmark for Indian Darts.
The 2024 semi-finalist survived a monumental scare to move into the second round of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
An Eventful Battle
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Yet, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“Competing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the feelings,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Win
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the championship. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round matches, implied this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from India.
“Words fail me today. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “Dream big, 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 from now if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Further First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgian 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 other newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he comfortably defeated 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.
