The Merseyside thrower Endures Significant Scare while 'The Royal Bengal' Creates A Landmark for Indian Darts.

Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to move into the next stage of the world darts championship on Sunday.

The Merseysider, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.

An Eventful Battle

Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening 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 subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.

“Performing at Ally Pally you feel all the feelings,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to come through that one.”

Kumar Secures Landmark Win

Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.

The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round matches, remarked this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from India.

“I don’t know at this moment. I’m ecstatic, I’m delighted,” Kumar stated. “Dream big, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

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

Additional First-Round Action

• Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
• Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 3-0 victory.
• Dom Taylor: The other newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
• Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
• Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
• James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.