Stephen Bunting Weathers Significant Fright while 'The Royal Bengal' Makes A Landmark for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to move into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
'The Bullet', who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Match
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the first set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Yet, his form dipped, 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 steadied himself in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you experience all the feelings,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, suggested this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Further Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing 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 debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
