The Merseyside thrower Endures Significant Fright as Nitin Kumar Secures A Landmark for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to move into the second round of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, 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 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Encounter
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the first set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Yet, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting found his rhythm in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“Competing at Ally Pally you experience all the feelings,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Creates Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the championship. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, remarked this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“Words fail me right now. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “With belief, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Additional Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- 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: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
