Stephen Bunting Weathers Major Fright as Nitin Kumar Creates History for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to move into the next stage of the world darts championship on Sunday.
Bunting, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Rollercoaster Match
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
However, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“Performing at Ally Pally you experience all the emotions,” Bunting stated on Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Groundbreaking Win
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, suggested this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” Kumar stated. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Additional First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 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 beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
