'The Bullet' Weathers Huge Fright as Nitin Kumar Makes A Landmark for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to progress into the second round of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was forced 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 Rollercoaster Match
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting found his rhythm in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“Competing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the feelings,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures Historic Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the initial victor from India at the championship. He overcame 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 appearances, remarked this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m overwhelmed, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “Dream big, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle 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.
