Bunting survives Bialecki scare on night five of 2026 PDC World Championship
Stephen Bunting was a relieved man to squeeze past Sebastien Bialecki 3-2 in an epic first-round encounter on Sunday night at the 2026 PDC World Champion.
The Bullet, who is the 3/1 favourite to make it through the second quarter of this year's draw, stormed into a 2-0 lead over Polish prospect Bialecki averaging well in excess of 100. However, things started to quickly unravel for Bunting as his level dropped, with Bialecki taking sets three and four to level the contest.
The youngster had a golden chance to knock out Bunting – a 1/10 favourite to win the contest – when the Premier League star scored just 160 with his first three visits in a must-win fourth leg. However, his scoring also vanished at the worst possible time, offering the favourite a reprieve which he snatched with both hands to take the final set 4-2 in legs.
Speaking afterwards to Sky Sports, Bunting said: "Playing at Ally Pally you go through all the emotions. I was lucky to get away with that one.
"I need to regroup, get back on the practice board, and get ready for the next game. I heard Toby [my son] shouting my name, I have got great support behind me, great family.
"That is the nervous one out of the way. I promise I will be better in the next round."
Earlier on Sunday, Nitin Kumar made history by becoming the first Indian to win a PDC World Championship match in defeating Richard Veenstra 3-2.
The Royal Bengal was a 9/1 underdog to beat experienced Pro Tour campaigner Veenstra but managed to edge an epic encounter, thanks largely to an amazing display of doubling which saw him pin 9/11 attempts on the outer ring.
It was a tough loss to take for the Dutchman, who racked up a sensational five 100+ checkouts but spurned far too many easier out shots which eventually proved costly.
There were also wins for Jonny Tata, Dom Taylor and Joe Cullen in the afternoon session, while Wesley Plaisier, Darren Beveridge and James Hurrell joined Bunting in the winners' circle on the evening.
Monday afternoon will see round one reach its halfway point with a tasty tie between Cameron Menzies and young Charlie Manby topping the bill, while Dirk van Duijvenbode and Jonny Clayton kick off their campaigns in the second session.
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
Matt's p/l
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Year 2025
KUMAR MAKES HISTORY 🙌 Nitin Kumar becomes the first ever player from India to win on the Alexandra Palace stage 🇮🇳 He defies FIVE ton-plus finishes from Richard Veenstra to win 3-2 and advance to Round Two! Why we love the darts. 📺 bit.ly/WC25-26Live #WCDarts | R1
