Stephen Bunting Survives Huge Scare as Nitin Kumar Creates History for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to progress into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who was a losing 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 the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Encounter
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after hitting 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 enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“Performing at Ally Pally you experience all the emotions,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures Landmark Win
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the pioneering Indian at the championship. He overcame the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round matches, suggested this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “With belief, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Further First-Round Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgian 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 commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he comfortably defeated 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 American Stowe Buntz.
