'The Bullet' Survives Huge Scare while 'The Royal Bengal' Creates A Landmark for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed edged through a tense battle to move into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Yet, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled 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 pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“Performing at this venue you experience all the emotions,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the pioneering Indian at the championship. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, remarked this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“I don’t know at this moment. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “With belief, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Other First-Round Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, ended 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 American Stowe Buntz.
