Stephen Bunting Endures Significant Fright as The Indian pioneer Secures History for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to progress into the next stage of the world darts championship on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Yet, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you feel all the feelings,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Historic Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He overcame the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round matches, remarked this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m delighted,” Kumar stated. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Further Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed 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 other newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 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 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.