Stephen Bunting Survives Major Fright while 'The Royal Bengal' Creates A Landmark for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting found his rhythm in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“When you are playing at this venue you go through all the feelings,” Bunting stated on Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to get away with 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 championship. He overcame the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, implied this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from India.
“Words fail me right now. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” Kumar stated. “Dream big, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Other Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 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 clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
