Stephen Bunting Weathers Huge Test while The Indian pioneer Secures History for Indian Darts.
The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to progress into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Match
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the first set. He looked in total control after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“Performing at this venue you experience 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 fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Landmark Win
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the pioneering Indian at the tournament. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I don’t know right now. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” 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 humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years from now if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Other First-Round Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 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 fine fettle as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
