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Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to progress into the next stage of the world darts championship on Sunday.

The Merseysider, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.

A Rollercoaster Match

Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 to power through the opening set. Victory seemed assured after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.

Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed 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 steadied himself in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.

“Competing at Ally Pally you go through all the feelings,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”

Kumar Secures Landmark Win

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

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

“I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” Kumar stated. “If you dream it, anything is possible. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He joked with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, you know who started it.”

Additional 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 won just one leg.
• Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, ended the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
• Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer defeated 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 overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
• James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.