'The Bullet' Endures Major Fright while Nitin Kumar Makes A Landmark for India.
Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the next stage of the world darts championship on Sunday.
'The Bullet', who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Rollercoaster Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
However, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting found his rhythm in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“When you are playing at this venue you feel all the emotions,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Creates Historic Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. 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, remarked this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I don’t know right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m delighted,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Additional Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive 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 commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
