🔗 Share this article

Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to move into the second round of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.

Bunting, who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.

A Rollercoaster Battle

Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the first set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.

Yet, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.

“Performing at Ally Pally you feel all the feelings,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to get away with that one.”

Kumar Secures Historic Victory

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

The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from his homeland.

“I’m lost for words today. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He concluded with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”

Further Opening Day Action

• Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 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 beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
• Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
• Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
• James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.