Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to move into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the first set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.
However, his form dipped, 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 regained his composure in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the feelings,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the pioneering Indian at the tournament. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.
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 his homeland.
“I don’t know right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Elara is a seasoned writer and digital storyteller with a passion for exploring diverse literary genres and empowering others through words.
