Stephen Bunting Endures Significant Test while Nitin Kumar Creates A Landmark for India.
The tournament's fourth seed survived a monumental scare to advance into the next stage of the world darts championship on Sunday.
'The Bullet', who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you experience all the feelings,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Historic Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. He overcame the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, suggested this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“I don’t know today. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I saw 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 Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Further First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 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 excellent touch as he eased past 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.
