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Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to advance into the next stage of the world darts championship on Sunday.

'The Bullet', who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.

A Turbulent Battle

Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.

Nevertheless, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting regained his composure in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.

“Competing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the feelings,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”

Kumar Creates Groundbreaking Win

Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He overcame Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match.

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

“Words fail me at this moment. I’m ecstatic, I’m delighted,” Kumar stated. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He joked with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”

Further Opening Day Action

• Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 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 defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 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.