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Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to progress into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday.

The Merseysider, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.

A Rollercoaster Battle

Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the first set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.

Yet, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. 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 go through all the emotions,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”

Kumar Creates Landmark Victory

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

The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round appearances, remarked this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from India.

“I don’t know at this moment. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” Kumar stated. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He added with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”

Additional First-Round 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 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 other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline.
• Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he comfortably defeated 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 American Stowe Buntz.