The Merseyside thrower Endures Significant Fright as Nitin Kumar Creates History for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to move into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Rollercoaster Match
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the first set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Yet, his form dipped, 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 pull back. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“Performing at Ally Pally you go through all the emotions,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures Historic Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the championship. He overcame the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, implied this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Additional Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won 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 saw off 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 Dutch player beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
