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The 2024 semi-finalist survived a monumental scare to progress into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.

The Merseysider, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.

A Rollercoaster Encounter

Bunting stormed out of the blocks, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.

Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting found his rhythm in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.

“Performing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the emotions,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to come through that one.”

Kumar Secures Historic Win

Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.

The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, remarked this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.

“I don’t know today. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” Kumar expressed. “Dream big, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

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

Additional 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 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 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.