Stephen Bunting Weathers Major Test while Nitin Kumar Makes History for India.
The tournament's fourth seed narrowly avoided an early exit to progress into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Match
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the first set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, 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 square the match. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“Performing at this venue you experience all the feelings,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Historic Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, suggested this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m overwhelmed, I’m thrilled,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a light-hearted 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.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 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 resounding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he comfortably defeated 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.
