Stephen Bunting Endures Major Scare while Nitin Kumar Secures History for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to move into the second round of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. Victory seemed assured after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
However, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“Competing at Ally Pally you go through all the feelings,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Historic Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m ecstatic, I’m thrilled,” Kumar stated. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Further Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgian 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 good form as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
