'The Bullet' Survives Significant Test as 'The Royal Bengal' Makes A Landmark for India.
Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to advance into the second round of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 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 landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious 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 winning it 4-2.
“Performing at this venue you feel all the emotions,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Creates Landmark Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the pioneering Indian at the championship. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, suggested this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years from now if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Other First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing 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 first-timer, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 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: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
