The Merseyside thrower Endures Huge Test as Nitin Kumar Makes History for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to advance into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Rollercoaster Match
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
However, his form dipped, 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 found his rhythm in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you feel all the emotions,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Historic Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', 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 lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from India.
“I don’t know at this moment. I’m ecstatic, I’m delighted,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Further First-Round Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian 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 fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.
