'The Bullet' Survives Significant Scare while Nitin Kumar Creates A Landmark for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to advance into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Rollercoaster Match
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
However, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed 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 winning it 4-2.
“When you are playing at this venue you go through all the emotions,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures Historic Win
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the pioneering Indian at the championship. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round matches, remarked this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“Words fail me at this moment. I’m ecstatic, I’m thrilled,” Kumar stated. “Dream big, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's 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 other newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he eased past 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.
