The Merseyside thrower Endures Major Scare as Nitin Kumar Creates History for India.
The tournament's fourth seed survived a monumental scare to advance into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
'The Bullet', who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Rollercoaster Match
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the first set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you go through all the feelings,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Landmark Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the initial victor from India at the championship. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The 40-year-old, 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.
“I don’t know today. I’m overwhelmed, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. 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 in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Other Opening Day 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 managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
