🔗 Share this article 'The Bullet' Survives Major Scare while The Indian pioneer Makes History for India. The 2024 semi-finalist survived a monumental scare to move into the second round of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend. The Merseysider, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace. A Rollercoaster Encounter Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set. However, his momentum stalled, and he won just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This enabled Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting found his rhythm in the final set, but was still taken to the wire before taking it 4-2. “Performing 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 kept fighting. I am fortunate to get away with that one.” Kumar Secures Landmark Win Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the pioneering Indian at the championship. He defeated Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match. The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland. “Words fail me right now. I’m emotional, I’m thrilled,” Kumar stated. “If you dream it, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.” He added with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, you know who started it.” Additional Opening Day Action Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's 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 commanding 3-0 victory. Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat 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 Dutch player beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1. James Hurrell: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.