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Stephen Bunting survived a monumental scare to move into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.

'The Bullet', who was a losing semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.

A Rollercoaster Encounter

Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. He looked in total control after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.

Yet, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2.

“Performing at Ally Pally you experience all the feelings,” Bunting stated on Sky Sports. “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 Historic Victory

Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the pioneering Indian at the tournament. He defeated the Netherlands' 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, suggested this landmark win could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from India.

“I don’t know today. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” Kumar stated. “Dream big, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He joked with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”

Other Opening Day Results

• Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing 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, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 3-0 victory.
• Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
• Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.