The Merseyside thrower Endures Huge Test as Nitin Kumar Creates A Landmark for Indian Darts.

The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to advance into the second round of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.

The Merseysider, who reached 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.

A Rollercoaster Encounter

Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.

Yet, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.

“Performing at Alexandra Palace you go through all the feelings,” Bunting explained to 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 Makes Historic Victory

Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the initial victor from India 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 previous first-round matches, suggested this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from India.

“Words fail me at this moment. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He joked with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future 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 convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
• Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 3-0 victory.
• Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
• Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.