The tournament's fourth seed edged through a tense battle to progress into the second round of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.
The Merseysider, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
A Turbulent Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the first set. Victory seemed assured after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
However, his momentum stalled, and he won 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 found his rhythm in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“Competing at this venue you feel all the feelings,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “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 Secures Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, suggested this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from his homeland.
“I’m lost for words right now. I’m overwhelmed, 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 added with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Other Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won 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 fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
