🔗 Share this article 'The Bullet' Survives Huge Test while Nitin Kumar Makes A Landmark for India. Stephen Bunting narrowly avoided an early exit to progress into the second round of the world darts championship on Sunday. Bunting, who reached beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a deciding tie-breaker by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace. A Turbulent Battle Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 en route to powering through the first set. Victory seemed assured after checking out a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set. Yet, his form dipped, and he managed just one leg over the subsequent two sets. This allowed Bialecki – who remained oblivious even when a wasp settled on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting found his rhythm in the final set, but was still pushed to the limit before taking it 4-2. “Competing at Alexandra Palace you experience all the feelings,” Bunting explained to Sky Sports. “I was aware Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he never gave in. I am lucky to get away with that one.” Kumar Secures Groundbreaking Win 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 the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match. The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, suggested this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from India. “I’m lost for words right now. I’m emotional, I’m delighted,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is possible. This vision motivated me ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.” He joked with a humorous warning: “I’m sorry, a decade from now if you have eight people in the world championship entering to Indian film songs, you know who started it.” Other First-Round Results Darren Beveridge: The Scotland's debutant made an strong 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 debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a commanding 3-0 victory. Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 scoreline. 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: Rounded off the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.