'The Bullet' Weathers Major Test as The Indian pioneer Secures A Landmark for India.
Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to advance into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
'The Bullet', who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting found his rhythm in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“Competing at Alexandra Palace you go through all the feelings,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the pioneering Indian at the tournament. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round matches, implied this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “If you dream it, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Additional First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish 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 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 eased past 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.
