Stephen Bunting Endures Significant Scare while Nitin Kumar Makes History for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed survived a monumental scare to move into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Rollercoaster Encounter
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the first set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Nevertheless, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled 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 Alexandra Palace you feel all the feelings,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Creates Landmark Win
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round matches, implied this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from India.
“I don’t know today. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years from now if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Additional Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he eased past 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.
