🔗 Share this article 'The Bullet' Weathers Huge Fright as Nitin Kumar Makes History for India. The tournament's fourth seed survived a monumental scare to progress into the next stage 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 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace. A Turbulent Match Bunting began in blistering fashion, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the opening set. The win appeared certain after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to take the second set. Nevertheless, his form dipped, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to square the match. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2. “When you are playing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the emotions,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be tough and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to come through that one.” Kumar Creates Historic Win Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who created a landmark by becoming the initial victor from India at the championship. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match. The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, remarked this landmark win could have “paved the way to a billion” darts players from India. “I’m lost for words at this moment. I’m overwhelmed, I’m delighted,” Kumar stated. “Dream big, anything is achievable. This was my dream ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.” He added with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.” Further Opening Day Action Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an convincing start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgium's 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 commanding 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 comfortably defeated 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 America’s Stowe Buntz.