The Merseyside thrower Endures Huge Test as Nitin Kumar Secures A Landmark for India.

Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to advance into the second round of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.

'The Bullet', who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.

A Turbulent Encounter

Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the first set. Victory seemed assured after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.

Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled 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 pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.

“Competing at Alexandra Palace you experience all the emotions,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to come through that one.”

Kumar Makes Groundbreaking Win

Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the tournament. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.

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

“I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “With belief, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

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

Other Opening Day Action

• Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
• Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 3-0 victory.
• Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer defeated 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 Dutchman beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
• James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.