'The Bullet' Weathers Major Test while 'The Royal Bengal' Makes History for Indian Darts.
The 2024 semi-finalist survived a monumental scare to progress into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
'The Bullet', who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Encounter
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“Competing at Ally Pally you go through all the emotions,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Win
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the championship. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round matches, implied this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I don’t know right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous prediction: “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.”
Other First-Round Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, dashed 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.
