The Merseyside thrower Survives Huge Test as 'The Royal Bengal' Secures History for Indian Darts.
The 2024 semi-finalist survived a monumental scare to advance into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced 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 Match
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the first set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Nevertheless, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you feel all the emotions,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Groundbreaking Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the initial victor from India at the championship. He overcame the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, suggested this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“Words fail me at this moment. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” Kumar stated. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous 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.”
Further First-Round Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong 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 debutant, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
