The Merseyside thrower Weathers Huge Test as 'The Royal Bengal' Secures A Landmark for India.
Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
Bunting, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting found his rhythm in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“Performing at Ally Pally you feel all the emotions,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Creates Landmark Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the initial victor from India at the championship. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, remarked this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“Words fail me at this moment. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” Kumar stated. “Dream big, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Additional Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgium's 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 identical 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he eased past 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.
