The Merseyside thrower Endures Significant Fright as Nitin Kumar Creates History for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to advance 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 deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
However, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“Performing at Alexandra Palace you experience all the emotions,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Creates Historic Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round matches, implied this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m overwhelmed, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Further First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgian 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 beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
