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The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.

Bunting, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.

A Turbulent Battle

Bunting stormed out of the blocks, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.

Yet, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.

“When you are playing at Alexandra Palace you go through all the emotions,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to get away with that one.”

Kumar Creates Historic Victory

Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the pioneering Indian at the championship. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.

The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, implied this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from India.

“I don’t know today. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “Dream big, 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 multiple players in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, you know who started it.”

Other Opening Day Action

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