'The Bullet' Survives Major Fright as The Indian pioneer Secures History for India.
The tournament's fourth seed edged through a tense battle to move into the second round of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Battle
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed 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 taking it 4-2.
“Performing at Alexandra Palace you experience 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 gave in. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round matches, remarked this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years from now if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Further First-Round Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong 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, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- 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.
