'The Bullet' Weathers Major Fright as Nitin Kumar Makes A Landmark for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Encounter
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the first set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Ally Pally you experience all the feelings,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Creates Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the initial victor from India at the championship. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round appearances, suggested this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“I don’t know at this moment. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “With belief, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Other First-Round Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 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 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 fine fettle 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 American Stowe Buntz.
