🔗 Share this article Stephen Bunting Endures Significant Test as Nitin Kumar Creates A Landmark for Indian Darts. The tournament's fourth seed survived a monumental scare to progress into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday. 'The Bullet', who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue. An Eventful Match Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set. Yet, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2. “Competing at this venue you feel all the feelings,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to come through that one.” Kumar Creates Groundbreaking Win Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the championship. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest. The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round matches, remarked this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from India. “Words fail me right now. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” Kumar stated. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.” He concluded with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.” Further Opening Day Results Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won 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 fellow newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline. Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0. Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1. James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.