The tournament's fourth seed survived a monumental scare to progress into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the opening set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
Yet, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting found his rhythm in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“Performing at this venue you experience all the feelings,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to come through that one.”
Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Win
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the championship. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, suggested this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from India.
“Words fail me at this moment. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “With belief, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He concluded with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Further Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
- Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
