Stephen Bunting Weathers Huge Scare as 'The Royal Bengal' Makes History for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to move into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
Bunting, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Encounter
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. He looked in total control after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
However, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you experience all the emotions,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Historic Win
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, remarked this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I don’t know right now. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” Kumar stated. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a light-hearted 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 Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing 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 first-timer, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 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 good form as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
