'The Bullet' Endures Significant Fright as 'The Royal Bengal' Makes A Landmark for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the next stage of the world darts championship on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Match
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the first set. He looked in total control after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
However, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled 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 securing it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you go through all the emotions,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Creates Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the pioneering Indian at the championship. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, remarked this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“I don’t know at this moment. I’m overwhelmed, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “With belief, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years from now if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Additional First-Round 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 won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 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 beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
