🔗 Share this article 'The Bullet' Survives Major Test while Nitin Kumar Creates A Landmark for Indian Darts. The tournament's fourth seed survived a monumental scare to move into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend. The Merseysider, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a dramatic fifth leg 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 opening set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set. Yet, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to draw level. Bunting steadied himself in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2. “Performing at this venue you feel all the feelings,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he never surrendered. I am lucky to get away with that one.” Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Victory Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match. The 40-year-old, who had lost in all four of his previous first-round matches, implied this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from his homeland. “I don’t know right now. I’m ecstatic, I’m happy,” Kumar stated. “Dream big, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.” He added with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.” Additional First-Round Action Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing 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 first-timer, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 3-0 victory. Dom Taylor: The fellow 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 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.