'The Bullet' Survives Major Test as Nitin Kumar Secures History for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed survived a monumental scare to progress into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Rollercoaster Match
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the first set. Victory seemed assured 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 allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting found his rhythm in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.
“Performing at Ally Pally you experience all the emotions,” Bunting told broadcasters. “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 Groundbreaking Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the championship. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round matches, remarked this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from India.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m ecstatic, I’m delighted,” Kumar expressed. “If you dream it, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added 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, don’t blame me.”
Further First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 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 excellent touch as he comfortably defeated 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.
