Stephen Bunting Endures Huge Fright as The Indian pioneer Creates History for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist survived a monumental scare to move into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
'The Bullet', who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
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 claim the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“Performing 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 kept fighting. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Landmark Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the initial victor from India at the championship. He overcame the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round matches, implied this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I don’t know right now. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” Kumar stated. “Dream big, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, ten years from now if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Additional Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat 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 overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
