Stephen Bunting Endures Significant Fright as The Indian pioneer Creates A Landmark for India.
Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to progress into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
Bunting, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Battle
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Yet, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“Performing at this venue you go through all the feelings,” Bunting stated on Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Historic Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, implied this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“Words fail me right now. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “Dream big, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Other Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing 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, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 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 excellent touch as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
