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

Bunting, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.

An Eventful Encounter

Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 to power through the first set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set.

However, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed 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 taken to the wire before winning it 4-2.

“When you are playing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the emotions,” Bunting stated on broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to come through that one.”

Kumar Creates Groundbreaking Victory

Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He overcame the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling contest.

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

“I don’t know today. I’m ecstatic, I’m delighted,” Kumar expressed. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He concluded with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”

Further Opening Day Results

• Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a one-sided 3-0 win over Belgium's 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 commanding 3-0 victory.
• Dom Taylor: The other newcomer saw off Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 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: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.