Stephen Bunting Survives Significant Test as 'The Royal Bengal' Secures History for Indian Darts.

Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to move into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.

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

An Eventful Battle

Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.

Yet, 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 square the match. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.

“When you are playing at this venue you experience all the feelings,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to get away with that one.”

Kumar Makes Landmark Win

Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the championship. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.

The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round matches, remarked this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.

“I’m lost for words right now. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

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

Further First-Round Results

• Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong 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 debutant, from New Zealand, dashed 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 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: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.