The Merseyside thrower Weathers Major Test while Nitin Kumar Creates History for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist survived a monumental scare to move into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
Bunting, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. He looked in total control after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Yet, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“Performing at this venue you feel all the emotions,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Creates Historic Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, remarked this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Additional First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing 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, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form 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.
