'The Bullet' Weathers Huge Scare as The Indian pioneer Creates A Landmark for India.
The tournament's fourth seed narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.
'The Bullet', who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Rollercoaster Encounter
Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the opening set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Yet, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting found his rhythm in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“Competing at Ally Pally you go through all the emotions,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures Landmark Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the pioneering Indian at the championship. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, implied this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I don’t know right now. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Additional Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
