The Merseyside thrower Survives Huge Fright while The Indian pioneer Secures History for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to progress into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
'The Bullet', who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the first set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you experience all the emotions,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Historic Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round matches, implied this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I don’t know right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Additional First-Round 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 first-timer, 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 excellent touch as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
