'The Bullet' Survives Huge Fright as 'The Royal Bengal' Secures History for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to progress into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
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 finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Encounter
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. He looked in total control after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting found his rhythm in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“Performing at Ally Pally you go through all the emotions,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Creates Landmark Win
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the pioneering Indian at the championship. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” Kumar stated. “If you dream it, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, ten years from now if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong 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 debutant, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he comfortably defeated 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.
