Stephen Bunting Survives Significant Test while Nitin Kumar Creates A Landmark for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed survived a monumental scare to move into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
'The Bullet', who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. He looked in total control after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Yet, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled 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 taking it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you go through all the feelings,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware 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 Creates Historic Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, remarked this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, ten years from now if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Additional Opening Day 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 managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he comfortably defeated 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.
