'The Bullet' Survives Significant Test as Nitin Kumar Secures A Landmark for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to progress into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Rollercoaster Battle
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the opening set. He looked in total control after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Yet, his form dipped, and he won 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 found his rhythm in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“Performing at this venue you feel all the emotions,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Historic Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the pioneering Indian at the championship. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“Words fail me at this moment. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” 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 light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 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 clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 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 overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
