Stephen Bunting Weathers Huge Scare while The Indian pioneer Makes History for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist survived a monumental scare to advance 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 dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Battle
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you feel all the emotions,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Creates Historic Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the pioneering Indian at the championship. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from India.
“I don’t know at this moment. I’m ecstatic, I’m delighted,” Kumar expressed. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Further Opening Day Action
- 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, dashed 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 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form 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.
