Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to move into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Rollercoaster Battle
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the first set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
However, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“When you are playing at this venue you go through all the feelings,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures Landmark Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round matches, remarked this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from India.
“Words fail me today. I’m ecstatic, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Other Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won 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 saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
