Stephen Bunting Weathers Huge Test as 'The Royal Bengal' Makes A Landmark for India.
The tournament's fourth seed narrowly avoided an early exit to progress into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
An Eventful Match
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the next 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 taking it 4-2.
“Performing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the emotions,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Historic Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, suggested this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “Dream big, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted prediction: “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 Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, ended 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 identical 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.