Stephen Bunting Weathers Huge Test while 'The Royal Bengal' Makes A Landmark for India.
The tournament's fourth seed survived a monumental scare to move into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Rollercoaster Match
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Yet, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you go through all the feelings,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Landmark Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the pioneering Indian at the championship. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, remarked this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“Words fail me today. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Further First-Round Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch 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.
