Stephen Bunting Weathers Significant Scare while Nitin Kumar Creates A Landmark for India.
Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to advance into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
'The Bullet', who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
However, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“Competing at Ally Pally you experience all the emotions,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware 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 Historic Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, suggested this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I don’t know today. I’m ecstatic, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Further First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer defeated 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 Dutch player overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
