Stephen Bunting Endures Huge Scare as The Indian pioneer Makes History for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed edged through a tense battle 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 forced all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Encounter
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 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 momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“Competing at Ally Pally you feel all the emotions,” 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 lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Historic Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the pioneering Indian at the tournament. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, suggested this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“Words fail me at this moment. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Other First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won 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 beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.