The Merseyside thrower Survives Significant Fright as The Indian pioneer Makes A Landmark for Indian Darts.
The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to advance into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who was a 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 Encounter
Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
However, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“When you are playing at this venue you go through all the emotions,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the championship. He overcame the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I don’t know at this moment. I’m overwhelmed, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Additional Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form 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 American Stowe Buntz.
