The Merseyside thrower Weathers Huge Fright as 'The Royal Bengal' Secures A Landmark for India.
Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to move into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
'The Bullet', who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Rollercoaster Match
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Yet, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting found his rhythm in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“Competing at Alexandra Palace you experience all the feelings,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Historic Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round appearances, implied this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Additional First-Round Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgium's 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 commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
- 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.
