Stephen Bunting Endures Major Fright as Nitin Kumar Creates A Landmark for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed narrowly avoided an early exit to move into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Rollercoaster Battle
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Nevertheless, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“When you are playing at this venue you go through all the feelings,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Landmark Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark 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 previous first-round appearances, remarked this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“Words fail me right now. I’m ecstatic, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “If you dream it, 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 down the line if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Other First-Round Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing 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, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.
