The Merseyside thrower Weathers Major Test as Nitin Kumar Creates History for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who was a beaten 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 Turbulent Match
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the first set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Yet, 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 pull back. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“Performing at this venue you feel all the emotions,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Creates Historic Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, implied this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“Words fail me today. I’m overwhelmed, I’m delighted,” Kumar stated. “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 prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Other Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 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 beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
- 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: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.