The Merseyside thrower Weathers Significant Test as 'The Royal Bengal' Secures History for India.
Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to advance into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
'The Bullet', who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
However, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting found his rhythm in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Alexandra Palace you experience all the feelings,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult 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 defeated 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 breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m overwhelmed, I’m thrilled,” said Kumar. “With belief, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Further Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgian 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 resounding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer saw off 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.
