'The Bullet' Survives Significant Fright as The Indian pioneer Makes A Landmark for India.
The tournament's fourth seed narrowly avoided an early exit to move into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Rollercoaster Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. He looked in total control after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Yet, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting found his rhythm in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“Performing at this venue you go through all the emotions,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Historic Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He overcame the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, suggested this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“Words fail me today. I’m overwhelmed, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Other First-Round Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's 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 debutant, from New Zealand, dashed 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: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
