The Merseyside thrower Survives Significant Fright as Nitin Kumar Secures History for Indian Darts.

The tournament's fourth seed narrowly avoided an early exit to progress into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.

'The Bullet', who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.

A Turbulent Encounter

Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. He looked in total control after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.

However, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.

“When you are playing at this venue 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 never gave in. I am lucky to come through that one.”

Kumar Creates Landmark Win

Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the initial victor from India at the tournament. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.

The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round matches, implied this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from India.

“I’m lost for words right now. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” Kumar stated. “With belief, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He added with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”

Other First-Round Results

• Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgium's 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 other newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
• Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.