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The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to progress into the second round of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.

'The Bullet', who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.

A Rollercoaster Battle

Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the first set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.

Yet, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.

“Performing at this venue you feel all the emotions,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to come through that one.”

Kumar Makes Landmark Victory

Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the initial victor from India at the tournament. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.

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

“Words fail me at this moment. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He concluded with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”

Further First-Round Results

• Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgium's 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 commanding 3-0 victory.
• Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 scoreline.
• Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch 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.