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The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to progress into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.

Bunting, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.

An Eventful Match

Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.

However, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.

“Competing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the emotions,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to get away with that one.”

Kumar Creates Historic Win

Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', 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 prior first-round appearances, implied this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from his homeland.

“I don’t know at this moment. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” Kumar stated. “With belief, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He joked with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”

Further Opening Day Results

• Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgian 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 commanding 3-0 victory.
• Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.