Stephen Bunting Endures Huge Scare as Nitin Kumar Creates A Landmark for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to advance into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
'The Bullet', who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
However, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting found his rhythm 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 explained to Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Historic Win
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the pioneering Indian at the tournament. He overcame 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 appearances, implied this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m ecstatic, I’m delighted,” Kumar stated. “With belief, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Additional Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 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 overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
