Stephen Bunting Survives Huge Test as Nitin Kumar Makes History for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to progress into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Battle
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Ally Pally you go through all the feelings,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, suggested this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Further Opening Day 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 won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 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 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.
