The tournament's fourth seed edged through a tense battle to progress into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the first set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Yet, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you go through all the feelings,” Bunting stated on Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge 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 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, suggested this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Further First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 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 excellent touch as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
