The Merseyside thrower Endures Significant Test while The Indian pioneer Makes History for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to move into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
An Eventful Match
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the first set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Alexandra Palace you experience all the feelings,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Historic Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, implied 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. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future 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 Scotland's debutant made an convincing 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 saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
