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The tournament's fourth seed edged through a tense battle to progress into the next stage of the world darts championship on Sunday.

The Merseysider, who was a beaten semi-finalist last year, was forced all the way to a final-set shootout by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a hard-fought victory at Alexandra Palace.

An Eventful Match

Bunting made a flying start, posting a superb 119.4 as he powered through the first set. He looked in total control after hitting a spectacular 160 finish to seize the second set.

Yet, his form dipped, and he won 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 regained his composure in the decider, but was still pushed to the limit before securing it 4-2.

“Performing at Alexandra Palace you feel all the feelings,” Bunting stated on 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 Win

Bunting's second-round foe will be 'The Royal Bengal', 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 contest.

The veteran player, who had been defeated in all four of his prior first-round appearances, implied this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from India.

“Words fail me today. I’m ecstatic, I’m delighted,” said Kumar. “If you dream it, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this ever since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He concluded with a humorous prediction: “I’m sorry, ten years in the future if you have multiple players in the world championship entering to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”

Additional Opening Day Results

• Darren Beveridge: The Scottish 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 debutant, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
• Dom Taylor: The other newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the same 3-0 margin.
• Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in good form 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 American Stowe Buntz.