The Merseyside thrower Endures Huge Fright while The Indian pioneer Secures History for Indian Darts.
The 2024 semi-finalist survived a monumental scare to progress into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Rollercoaster Match
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the opening set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“Performing at Alexandra Palace you experience all the emotions,” Bunting stated on Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Creates Historic Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the pioneering Indian at the tournament. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round matches, implied this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from India.
“I don’t know at this moment. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Other Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer saw off 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 overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
