'The Bullet' Weathers Huge Fright as Nitin Kumar Makes A Landmark for India.
Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to move into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Battle
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the first set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Yet, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting found his rhythm in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“Performing at this venue you go through all the emotions,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He overcame the Netherlands' 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, implied this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m delighted,” Kumar expressed. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years from now if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Other Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, dashed 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 identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
