Stephen Bunting Endures Huge Fright while 'The Royal Bengal' Creates A Landmark for India.

The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to move into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.

'The Bullet', who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.

A Turbulent Match

Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.

Yet, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.

“Competing at Ally Pally you experience all the emotions,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to get away with that one.”

Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Victory

Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.

The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, remarked this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from India.

“I don’t know today. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He joked with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”

Additional First-Round 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 managed just one leg.
  • Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 3-0 victory.
  • Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
  • 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: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
Tami Miller
Tami Miller

A passionate traveler and writer, Elara shares her adventures and tips to help others explore the world with confidence and curiosity.

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