The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to advance into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.
Bunting, 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.
An Eventful Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the first set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Yet, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you experience all the emotions,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Win
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, remarked this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“Words fail me right now. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Other First-Round Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing 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, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
