Stephen Bunting Survives Major Fright as 'The Royal Bengal' Secures History for Indian Darts.

The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to progress into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.

The Merseysider, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.

A Rollercoaster Encounter

Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.

Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he won 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 final set, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.

“Competing at Ally Pally you go through all the feelings,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I was aware 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 Historic Victory

Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the pioneering Indian at the tournament. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.

The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round matches, suggested this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from India.

“I don’t know today. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” Kumar stated. “Dream big, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He joked with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”

Other First-Round Results

• Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing 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 resounding 3-0 victory.
• Dom Taylor: The other newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
• Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he eased past 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.