Stephen Bunting Weathers Significant Test as Nitin Kumar Secures 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 losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
An Eventful Encounter
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Yet, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“Competing at Ally Pally you experience all the feelings,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes 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 beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, suggested this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “With belief, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Further First-Round Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgian 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 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 beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
