'The Bullet' Survives Huge Scare as 'The Royal Bengal' Secures History for Indian Darts.
The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the second round of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
An Eventful Battle
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let 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 taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Alexandra Palace you experience all the emotions,” Bunting stated on Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Landmark Win
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the tournament. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, implied this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m delighted,” Kumar stated. “With belief, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive 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, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 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 good form as he comfortably defeated 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.
