'The Bullet' Weathers Major Test while 'The Royal Bengal' Makes History for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to move into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
'The Bullet', who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Rollercoaster Encounter
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. He looked in total control after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Nevertheless, 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 draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“Performing at Alexandra Palace you go through all the emotions,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Landmark Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the tournament. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“Words fail me right now. I’m ecstatic, I’m thrilled,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Other First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he comfortably defeated 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 American Stowe Buntz.
