'The Bullet' Survives Significant Scare while The Indian pioneer Creates History for India.
The tournament's fourth seed survived a monumental scare to advance into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.
Bunting, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“When you are playing at this venue you experience all the emotions,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, suggested this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“Words fail me at this moment. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong 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, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 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 fine fettle as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
