The Merseyside thrower Survives Significant Test while Nitin Kumar Secures A Landmark for Indian Darts.

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

'The Bullet', who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.

A Rollercoaster Battle

Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the first set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.

Nevertheless, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed 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.

“Competing at Ally Pally you feel all the emotions,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to come through that one.”

Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Win

Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the initial victor from India at the championship. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.

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

“Words fail me today. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” Kumar stated. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He added with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”

Additional Opening Day Results

• Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
• Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 3-0 victory.
• Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 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 overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
• James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.