Stephen Bunting Weathers Huge Test as The Indian pioneer Creates A Landmark for India.
The tournament's fourth seed survived a monumental scare to move into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Rollercoaster Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Yet, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“Performing at this venue you go through all the emotions,” Bunting stated on Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Landmark Win
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the tournament. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round matches, suggested this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from India.
“I don’t know at this moment. I’m ecstatic, I’m delighted,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, ended 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 good form 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.
