'The Bullet' Endures Major Scare while Nitin Kumar Makes A Landmark for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to advance into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
An Eventful Match
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after landing 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 oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the emotions,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Historic Win
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round matches, suggested this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” Kumar stated. “With belief, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Further Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, 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 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.
