Stephen Bunting Survives Significant Fright as The Indian pioneer Secures A Landmark for India.
Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the next stage of the world darts championship on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Rollercoaster Match
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the first set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Yet, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he won just one leg over the subsequent 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 decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Ally Pally you feel all the emotions,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult 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 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the championship. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, suggested this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m overwhelmed, I’m delighted,” Kumar stated. “If you dream it, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Other Opening Day Action
- 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 clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
