'The Bullet' Weathers Huge Fright while Nitin Kumar Makes A Landmark for Indian Darts.

The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to advance into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.

Bunting, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.

A Rollercoaster Encounter

Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the first set. He looked in total control after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.

Nevertheless, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. 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 emotions,” Bunting stated on Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to get away with that one.”

Kumar Creates Landmark Victory

Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.

The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, implied this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from India.

“I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m ecstatic, I’m thrilled,” Kumar expressed. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He concluded with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”

Other Opening Day Results

• Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
• Jonny Tata: Another debutant, 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 identical 3-0 margin.
• Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
• Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
• James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.