Stephen Bunting Weathers Major Test while 'The Royal Bengal' Secures A Landmark for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to progress into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Encounter
Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. He looked in total control after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Yet, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“Competing at Ally Pally you go through all the feelings,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures Landmark Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, suggested this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years from now if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Other Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive 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 debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he comfortably defeated 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.
