'The Bullet' Weathers Major Test while Nitin Kumar Secures History for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to move into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Battle
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. He looked in total control after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Yet, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you go through all the feelings,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Creates Landmark Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Other Opening Day 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 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 other newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he comfortably defeated 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.