🔗 Share this article 'The Bullet' Survives Major Fright as 'The Royal Bengal' Creates A Landmark for Indian Darts. The 2024 semi-finalist edged through a tense battle to move into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend. Bunting, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace. A Rollercoaster Match Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set. Yet, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting found his rhythm in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2. “Performing at Ally Pally you feel all the feelings,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to come through that one.” Kumar Makes Historic Victory Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest. The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round appearances, remarked this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from India. “I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” Kumar stated. “With belief, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.” He concluded with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, you know who started it.” Further Opening Day Results Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg. Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 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 excellent touch as he eased past Bradley Brooks 3-0. Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1. James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.