The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to advance into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.
An Eventful Battle
Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. Victory seemed assured after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.
However, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.
“Performing at Alexandra Palace you go through all the feelings,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to come through that one.”
Kumar Makes Groundbreaking Victory
Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round appearances, suggested this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“Words fail me today. I’m ecstatic, I’m delighted,” Kumar expressed. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He added with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”
Additional Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 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 commanding 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer defeated 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 Dutchman overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.
