'The Bullet' Weathers Huge Test while The Indian pioneer Makes A Landmark 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 losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Rollercoaster Match
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, 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 pull back. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“When you are playing at this venue you feel all the emotions,” Bunting stated on Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Creates Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the pioneering Indian at the tournament. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round matches, suggested this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from India.
“Words fail me right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” Kumar stated. “Dream big, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this 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 eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Other Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong 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 debutant, from New Zealand, ended 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 same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form 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 American Stowe Buntz.
