The Merseyside thrower Survives Significant Fright as 'The Royal Bengal' Creates A Landmark for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to progress into the second round of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Rollercoaster Encounter
Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
However, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting found his rhythm in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you go through all the emotions,” Bunting stated on Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round matches, implied this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“Words fail me at this moment. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years from now if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Additional Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, dashed 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 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 Dutch player beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
