The Merseyside thrower Survives Major Fright while The Indian pioneer Makes A Landmark for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed edged through a tense battle to progress into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
'The Bullet', who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Battle
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the first set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting found his rhythm in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“When you are playing 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 never gave in. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Creates Historic Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the tournament. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, suggested this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“Words fail me right now. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” Kumar stated. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Other First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive 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 resounding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle 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 American Stowe Buntz.
