'The Bullet' Endures Major Fright as The Indian pioneer Creates History for India.
Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to move into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who reached beaten 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.
A Rollercoaster Match
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the opening set. He looked in total control after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Yet, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“Performing at this venue you feel all the feelings,” Bunting stated on Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Historic Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He overcame the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, suggested this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m overwhelmed, I’m thrilled,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Other Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, ended 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 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 Dutch player beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
