'The Bullet' Weathers Major Test while 'The Royal Bengal' Makes History for India.
The tournament's fourth seed survived a monumental scare to move into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Rollercoaster Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
However, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“Competing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the emotions,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I knew 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 Historic Win
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round matches, remarked this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m thrilled,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years from now if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Other Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed 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 fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
