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Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to advance into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.

Bunting, who was a beaten 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 Alexandra Palace.

An Eventful Encounter

Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. He looked in total control after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.

Nevertheless, his momentum stalled, and he managed just one leg over the next two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting found his rhythm in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.

“Competing at Alexandra Palace you experience all the feelings,” Bunting told 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 Creates Landmark Victory

Bunting's second-round foe will be Nitin Kumar, who achieved a first by becoming the initial victor from India at the event. He beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.

The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round matches, implied this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland.

“I don’t know right now. I’m emotional, I’m happy,” said Kumar. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He added with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have eight people in the world championship walking on to Indian film songs, don’t blame me.”

Other Opening Day Results

• Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 3-0 win over Belgian Dimitri Van den Bergh, who managed just one leg.
• Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, ended 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 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 overcame Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
• James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over American Stowe Buntz.