Stephen Bunting Endures Significant Test as The Indian pioneer Creates History for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist survived a monumental scare to progress into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
'The Bullet', who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Rollercoaster Encounter
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
However, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you experience all the emotions,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Groundbreaking Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round appearances, remarked this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m ecstatic, I’m delighted,” Kumar expressed. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Additional 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, 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 identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
