'The Bullet' Survives Major Scare as 'The Royal Bengal' Makes History for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to progress into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
'The Bullet', who reached 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.
An Eventful Match
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Yet, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Ally Pally you go through all the emotions,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures Landmark Win
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the initial victor from India at the championship. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, remarked this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “With belief, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he eased past 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 American Stowe Buntz.
