'The Bullet' Survives Major Test as The Indian pioneer Secures History for India.
Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
'The Bullet', who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
An Eventful Match
Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you go through all the feelings,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Landmark Win
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the first Indian winner at the championship. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round appearances, remarked this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“Words fail me right now. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “With belief, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Additional Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgium's 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 fine fettle as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
