'The Bullet' Endures Significant Fright as The Indian pioneer Makes History for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to advance into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.
Bunting, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Nevertheless, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you go through all the feelings,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Historic Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the initial victor from India at the tournament. He overcame the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, suggested this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“I don’t know at this moment. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “Dream big, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Further First-Round Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 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 clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer saw off 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.
