'The Bullet' Weathers Major Scare as Nitin Kumar Creates A Landmark for Indian Darts.
The 2024 semi-finalist survived a monumental scare to move into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
'The Bullet', who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
A Turbulent Encounter
Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the first set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
However, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Ally Pally you experience all the emotions,” Bunting stated on Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the initial victor from India at the tournament. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round appearances, suggested this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“Words fail me today. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” Kumar stated. “Dream big, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Further Opening Day Action
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgium's 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 commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 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 American Stowe Buntz.
