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Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to move into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday.

The Merseysider, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue.

A Turbulent Battle

Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. The win appeared certain after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.

Nevertheless, his form dipped, 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 decider, but was still pushed to the limit before winning it 4-2.

“Competing at Ally Pally you go through all the feelings,” Bunting explained to broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be a challenge and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am lucky to get away with that one.”

Kumar Secures Landmark Win

Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who achieved a first by becoming the first Indian winner at the tournament. He beat the Netherlands' 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 “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.

“Words fail me at this moment. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He joked with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years down the line if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”

Further Opening Day Action

• 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 clear 3-0 victory.
• Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
• Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in fine fettle as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
• Wesley Plaisier: The Dutchman beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
• James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.