Stephen Bunting Survives Major Fright while The Indian pioneer Makes History for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to move into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Rollercoaster Battle
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. He looked in total control after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
However, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting found his rhythm in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Alexandra Palace you go through all the feelings,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures 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 beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round matches, remarked this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m overwhelmed, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “Dream big, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I saw 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 entering to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Other First-Round 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 beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
