🔗 Share this article Stephen Bunting Endures Huge Scare while 'The Royal Bengal' Creates A Landmark for India. The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to move into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday. 'The Bullet', who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue. A Turbulent Match Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the first set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set. Yet, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before winning it 4-2. “When you are playing at Ally Pally you experience all the feelings,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to get away with that one.” Kumar Creates Landmark Victory Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the event. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match. The 40-year-old, 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 his homeland. “I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.” He added with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, you know who started it.” Other Opening Day Action Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg. Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 3-0 victory. Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin. Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch 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 American Stowe Buntz.