The Merseyside thrower Weathers Major Test as 'The Royal Bengal' Creates History for India.
Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to progress into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Rollercoaster Encounter
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. Victory seemed assured after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“Performing at Alexandra Palace you go through all the emotions,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Historic Win
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the initial victor from India at the championship. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round matches, remarked this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I don’t know at this moment. I’m ecstatic, I’m thrilled,” said Kumar. “With belief, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years 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 Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 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 commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.
