The Merseyside thrower Weathers Major Fright while 'The Royal Bengal' Creates History for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to advance 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 final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 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.
However, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting found his rhythm in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“Performing at Ally Pally you feel all the emotions,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Landmark Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round appearances, suggested this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Further First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 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 identical 3-0 scoreline.
- 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: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
