Stephen Bunting Endures Major Scare as Nitin Kumar Makes A Landmark for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed narrowly avoided an early exit to progress into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier 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 to power through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
However, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting found his rhythm in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Ally Pally you go through all the emotions,” Bunting stated on 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 Groundbreaking Win
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the pioneering Indian at the tournament. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The 40-year-old, who had lost 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.
“Words fail me today. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “With belief, anything is possible. 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 in the future if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Additional Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgium's 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 commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
