🔗 Share this article Stephen Bunting Survives Significant Test as The Indian pioneer Makes A Landmark for India. The tournament's fourth seed edged through a tense battle to move into the next stage of the world darts championship on the opening weekend. 'The Bullet', who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a final-set shootout by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace. An Eventful Match Bunting stormed out of the blocks, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the first set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set. However, his form dipped, 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 pull back. Bunting steadied himself in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2. “When you are playing at this venue you experience all the emotions,” Bunting told Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to come through that one.” Kumar Secures Landmark Win Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match. The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round appearances, implied this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion” darts players from India. “I don’t know right now. I’m ecstatic, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.” He concluded with a humorous warning: “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.” Other First-Round Action Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 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 resounding 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 fine fettle as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0. Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1. James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.