The Merseyside thrower Weathers Major Fright as 'The Royal Bengal' Creates A Landmark for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist survived a monumental scare to progress into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
An Eventful Encounter
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the opening set. He looked in total control after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
However, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“Competing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the feelings,” Bunting told 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 Secures Landmark Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round matches, suggested this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m emotional, 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 concluded with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Additional First-Round 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, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
