The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to advance into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.
The Merseysider, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.
An Eventful Battle
Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.
However, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.
“When you are playing at Alexandra Palace you go through all the feelings,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”
Kumar Makes Landmark Win
Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the initial victor from India at the tournament. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.
The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round matches, remarked this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from India.
“I don’t know today. I’m overwhelmed, I’m thrilled,” Kumar stated. “Dream big, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”
He joked with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”
Further Opening Day Results
- Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgium's 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 clear 3-0 victory.
- Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
- Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
- Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
- James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.
