Stephen Bunting Weathers Significant Scare while The Indian pioneer Secures History for Indian Darts.
The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to move into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.
'The Bullet', who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Encounter
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
However, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“Competing at Ally Pally you go through all the emotions,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Creates Landmark Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, remarked this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from India.
“I don’t know today. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years from now if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 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 excellent touch as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman 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.
