'The Bullet' Survives Significant Test as The Indian pioneer Creates A Landmark for India.
Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to move into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Battle
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
However, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Alexandra Palace you experience all the emotions,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Creates Landmark Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He overcame the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, remarked this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“Words fail me today. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Additional First-Round Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
