The Merseyside thrower Endures Significant Test as 'The Royal Bengal' Creates A Landmark for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to advance into the next stage of the world darts championship on Sunday.
'The Bullet', who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Encounter
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the first set. He looked in total control after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Yet, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“Competing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the feelings,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Win
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round appearances, suggested this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from India.
“I don’t know at this moment. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Further Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 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 fellow newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
