'The Bullet' Survives Major Fright while 'The Royal Bengal' Creates A Landmark for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed edged through a tense battle to move into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
Bunting, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Rollercoaster Match
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Yet, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“When you are playing at this venue you experience all the feelings,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
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 potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I don’t know right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m thrilled,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years from now if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Other Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won 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 other newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form 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.
