'The Bullet' Survives Significant Fright as 'The Royal Bengal' Makes History for Indian Darts.

The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to advance into the next stage of the world darts championship on Sunday.

'The Bullet', who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.

A Rollercoaster Encounter

Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. Victory seemed assured after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.

Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.

“Competing at Alexandra Palace you go through all the emotions,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”

Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Victory

Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He overcame the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.

The 40-year-old, who had been defeated 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 his homeland.

“I’m lost for words today. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He added with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”

Additional First-Round Results

• Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
• Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
• Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
• Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he eased past 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.