Stephen Bunting Weathers Major Scare as 'The Royal Bengal' Secures A Landmark for Indian Darts.
Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to progress into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Encounter
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the first set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
Yet, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Ally Pally you feel all the feelings,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Creates Landmark Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, suggested this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from India.
“Words fail me at this moment. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, 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 walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Further Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won 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 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 Dutch player overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
