The Merseyside thrower Survives Huge Test while Nitin Kumar Makes A Landmark for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
'The Bullet', who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
An Eventful Encounter
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the opening set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
However, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting found his rhythm in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“Performing at Ally Pally you experience all the emotions,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the tournament. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round matches, implied this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“I don’t know right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Additional First-Round Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian 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 resounding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.
