'The Bullet' Survives Huge Scare as 'The Royal Bengal' Secures History for Indian Darts.
The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the first set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
However, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you go through all the feelings,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, remarked this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Additional Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian 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 commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
