'The Bullet' Endures Huge Test while Nitin Kumar Creates A Landmark for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to move into the second round of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Rollercoaster Encounter
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting found his rhythm in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Ally Pally you feel all the emotions,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the pioneering Indian at the championship. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“Words fail me right now. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Additional First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 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 defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form 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.
