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The 2024 semi-finalist narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the next stage of the prestigious tournament on the opening weekend.

The Merseysider, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.

A Rollercoaster Battle

Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. He looked in total control after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.

Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, 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 regained his composure in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2.

“Competing at Ally Pally you experience all the emotions,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to come through that one.”

Kumar Makes Landmark Win

Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who made history by becoming the pioneering Indian at the event. He beat 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, suggested this breakthrough could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from his homeland.

“I don’t know at this moment. I’m overwhelmed, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He joked with a light-hearted prediction: “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.”

Other First-Round Results

• Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
• Jonny Tata: Another debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a resounding 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 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.