Stephen Bunting Endures Huge Scare as The Indian pioneer Makes A Landmark for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to progress into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting found his rhythm in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“Competing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the feelings,” Bunting told broadcasters. “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 Creates Historic Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, remarked this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“Words fail me right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted 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.”
Additional First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgium's 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 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 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.
