Stephen Bunting Weathers Huge Fright while 'The Royal Bengal' Creates History for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to progress into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.
'The Bullet', who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
An Eventful Encounter
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the first set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to take 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 final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“Performing at Ally Pally you experience all the feelings,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Historic Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the initial victor from India at the tournament. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, remarked this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“Words fail me right now. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Additional Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed 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 other newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
