🔗 Share this article 'The Bullet' Survives Significant Test while Nitin Kumar Secures A Landmark for India. Stephen Bunting edged through a tense battle to advance into the second round of the prestigious tournament on Sunday. Bunting, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was taken all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Poland’s Sebastian Bialecki before securing a hard-fought victory at the iconic Ally Pally venue. A Turbulent Match Bunting made a flying start, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. He looked in total control after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set. Yet, his momentum stalled, 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 square the match. Bunting found his rhythm in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2. “When you are playing at Alexandra Palace you go through all the emotions,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am fortunate to get away with that one.” Kumar Makes Historic Victory Bunting's next opponent will be 'The Royal Bengal', who made history by becoming the initial victor from India at the championship. He beat the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a thrilling match. The 40-year-old, who had been defeated in all four of his previous first-round appearances, suggested this breakthrough could have “created a pathway to a billion potential” darts players from his homeland. “I don’t know right now. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is achievable. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.” He concluded with a light-hearted warning: “I’m sorry, ten years from now 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 strong start, averaging 91.62 in a dominant 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 commanding 3-0 victory. Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat 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: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.