Stephen Bunting Endures Significant Scare while The Indian pioneer Creates A Landmark for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
Bunting, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Encounter
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Ally Pally you experience all the emotions,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Landmark Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, implied this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“I don’t know right now. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years from now if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Further First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgium's 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 commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.
