The Merseyside thrower Endures Major Scare as Nitin Kumar Secures A Landmark for India.
The tournament's fourth seed narrowly avoided an early exit to move into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Rollercoaster Battle
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
However, 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 square the match. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“Competing at Ally Pally you go through all the feelings,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Creates Landmark Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the initial victor from India at the tournament. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round matches, suggested this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I don’t know 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 joked with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 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 Dutchman overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
