'The Bullet' Weathers Major Test as Nitin Kumar Secures History for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed survived a monumental scare to progress into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the opening set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“When you are playing at this venue you feel all the feelings,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Creates Groundbreaking Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the tournament. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I don’t know today. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” Kumar stated. “Dream big, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years 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 Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgium's 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 commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
- 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 American Stowe Buntz.
