The Merseyside thrower Survives Major Scare while Nitin Kumar Creates History for India.
The tournament's fourth seed narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the second round of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
'The Bullet', who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
An Eventful Encounter
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting found his rhythm in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you feel all the feelings,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Creates Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the championship. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he comfortably defeated 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.
