Stephen Bunting Weathers Significant Test as 'The Royal Bengal' Creates History for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed narrowly avoided an early exit to progress into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
Bunting, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Rollercoaster Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the first set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
However, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“Performing at Alexandra Palace you go through all the emotions,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Landmark Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the initial victor from India 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 matches, remarked this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“Words fail me at this moment. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” Kumar stated. “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 warning: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Further Opening Day Results
- 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 won 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 other newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form 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.