Stephen Bunting Survives Major Test as Nitin Kumar Secures History for Indian Darts.
The 2024 semi-finalist survived a monumental scare to advance into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
An Eventful Encounter
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
However, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting found his rhythm in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“Performing at Alexandra Palace you experience all the feelings,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Historic Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the initial victor from India at the tournament. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round matches, suggested this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“I don’t know right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “With belief, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Other First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong 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 commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
