'The Bullet' Endures Huge Scare as 'The Royal Bengal' Secures A Landmark for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed survived a monumental scare to move into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who reached beaten 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 the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Battle
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. Victory seemed assured after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, 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 square the match. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“Performing at Ally Pally you go through all the feelings,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Landmark Win
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the pioneering Indian at the championship. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round matches, suggested this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m ecstatic, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future 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 impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed 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 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he eased past 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.
