'The Bullet' Weathers Significant Test as Nitin Kumar Creates History for India.
The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, 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 Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
However, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“When you are playing at this venue you feel all the feelings,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Landmark Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He overcame the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” Kumar stated. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”
Further First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he eased past 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.
