The Merseyside thrower Endures Huge Test while The Indian pioneer Secures History for India.
Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to progress into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Encounter
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Ally Pally you go through all the emotions,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I knew 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 Makes Landmark Win
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, remarked this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” Kumar expressed. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Additional First-Round Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he comfortably defeated 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.
