The Merseyside thrower Endures Huge Fright as Nitin Kumar Creates A Landmark for Indian Darts.
The tournament's fourth seed edged through a tense battle to move into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Match
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the first set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
Yet, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“Performing at this venue you experience all the feelings,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Secures Landmark Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round matches, remarked this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words today. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “With belief, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years from now if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 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 resounding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The other newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he eased past 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.
