The Merseyside thrower Weathers Huge Test as 'The Royal Bengal' Makes History for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed edged through a tense battle to move into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.
'The Bullet', who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the first set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, 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 found his rhythm in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“Competing at Ally Pally you feel all the emotions,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I knew 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 Secures Groundbreaking Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He overcame 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 matches, 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 ecstatic, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have multiple players 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 convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
