The Merseyside thrower Endures Significant Fright as Nitin Kumar Creates A Landmark for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to progress into the second round of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Match
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. He looked in total control after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Yet, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Ally Pally you experience all the feelings,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Creates Landmark Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, suggested this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I don’t know today. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” Kumar stated. “With belief, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Other First-Round Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgian 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 clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he eased past 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 American Stowe Buntz.
