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The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the next stage of the world darts championship on Sunday.

'The Bullet', who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.

An Eventful Battle

Bunting stormed out of the blocks, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after landing a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.

Yet, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.

“Competing at Ally Pally you experience all the emotions,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to come through that one.”

Kumar Secures Landmark Victory

Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the initial victor from India at the tournament. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought contest.

The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round matches, suggested this landmark win could have “created a pathway to a billion” darts players from his homeland.

“I’m lost for words right now. I’m emotional, 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 joked with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”

Other First-Round Action

• Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive 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 clear 3-0 victory.
• Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat 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 overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
• James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.