Stephen Bunting Weathers Major Scare as 'The Royal Bengal' Secures A Landmark for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to advance into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
Bunting, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Rollercoaster Battle
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. He looked in total control after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Nevertheless, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Alexandra Palace you experience all the emotions,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures Landmark Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“Words fail me at this moment. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this 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 multiple players in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Further First-Round 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, 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 identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
