The Merseyside thrower Weathers Huge Scare as 'The Royal Bengal' Secures A Landmark 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 reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
However, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“Competing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the emotions,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Landmark Win
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the championship. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, suggested this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I don’t know today. I’m ecstatic, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked 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 Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won 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 other newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
