🔗 Share this article Stephen Bunting Endures Huge Test as The Indian pioneer Makes History for India. The 2024 semi-finalist survived a monumental scare to progress into the second round of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend. 'The Bullet', who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace. An Eventful Encounter Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set. However, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting found his rhythm in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2. “Performing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the feelings,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to get away with that one.” Kumar Secures Historic Win Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match. The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round matches, implied this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from his homeland. “I’m lost for words right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m thrilled,” Kumar stated. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.” He joked with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.” Additional Opening Day Action Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgian 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 resounding 3-0 victory. Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 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 overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1. James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.