'The Bullet' Survives Significant Fright while Nitin Kumar Secures History for India.
Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to move into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
'The Bullet', who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Yet, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting found his rhythm in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“When you are playing at this venue you experience all the feelings,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Landmark Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the pioneering Indian at the championship. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, remarked this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” Kumar stated. “With belief, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, 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 Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.
