The Merseyside thrower Survives Significant Test as Nitin Kumar Creates A Landmark for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed edged through a tense battle to progress into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
Bunting, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the opening set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
However, his form dipped, and he won 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 pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“Performing at Ally Pally you experience all the feelings,” Bunting stated on Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Landmark Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. 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 appearances, remarked this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from India.
“I don’t know at this moment. I’m overwhelmed, 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 prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Other First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgian 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 commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
