Stephen Bunting Endures Significant Test as The Indian pioneer Secures A Landmark for India.

Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.

'The Bullet', who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.

A Rollercoaster Match

Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the opening set. He looked in total control after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.

Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.

“Performing at this venue you go through all the emotions,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to come through that one.”

Kumar Creates Landmark Victory

Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the pioneering Indian at the tournament. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.

The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, implied this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from India.

“Words fail me today. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He concluded with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”

Further Opening Day Action

• 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 won just one leg.
• Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
• Dom Taylor: The other newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
• Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
• Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
• James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.