Stephen Bunting Endures Huge Fright as 'The Royal Bengal' Makes History for India.
The tournament's fourth seed narrowly avoided an early exit to progress into the next stage 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 Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
However, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you feel all the emotions,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Creates Groundbreaking Win
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the tournament. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round appearances, suggested this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m overwhelmed, I’m delighted,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 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 other newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle 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.
