'The Bullet' Endures Major Fright while The Indian pioneer Secures A Landmark for Indian Darts.

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 forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.

A Rollercoaster Match

Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.

Nevertheless, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.

“When you are playing at Alexandra Palace you experience all the feelings,” Bunting stated on Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to come through that one.”

Kumar Secures Landmark Win

Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the championship. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.

The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, suggested this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from India.

“Words fail me today. I’m overwhelmed, I’m thrilled,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He added with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”

Other First-Round Results

• Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgian 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 clear 3-0 victory.
• Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
• Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
• Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
• James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.