The Merseyside thrower Weathers Huge Fright as Nitin Kumar Secures A Landmark for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to progress into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.
'The Bullet', who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Rollercoaster Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
However, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“Performing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the emotions,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures 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 thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, remarked this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“Words fail me right now. I’m ecstatic, I’m delighted,” Kumar expressed. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this 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 Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Further First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won 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 defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.