Stephen Bunting Endures Huge Scare as 'The Royal Bengal' Makes History for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to advance into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
'The Bullet', who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Encounter
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. He looked in total control after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you go through all the emotions,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round matches, suggested this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m ecstatic, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Other First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 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 commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch 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.
