Merseyside darts ace Stephen Bunting said he was happy to “dig myself out of a hole” after a narrow round one victory in the World Championships at Alexandra Palace.

Bunting, from St Helens, withstood a late Sebastian Bialecki comeback to win 3-2 in the final set on Sunday evening.

And he said afterwards: “The Stephen Bunting train is carrying on, and who is going to stop me?”

The fourth seed took an early 1-0 lead after a commanding start against his Polish opponent, in which he displayed a dominant 119 average in this first set.

Bunting then hit a massive 160 checkout during his second set win, on his way to cruising to a 2-0 lead.

However, Bialecki fought his way back to make it 2-2. This forced the first extended deciding set at this year’s tournament.

Bunting took control of the deciding leg. He won this 4-2, despite finishing the match with a 96 average.

He added: “I felt comfortable, I felt in control, and for whatever reason, I fell asleep.

“I am happy to be able to dig myself out of that hole and find a way to win the match.”

Bunting’s son was a pillar of support in the crowd for his dad on the night.

“He’s the person I look for.

“I have got another son at home. When the walk on comes on, he starts crying.”

Bunting was also asked for his thoughts on the current state of darts for youngsters in Liverpool and North-West.

He said: “It is in a great position. It feels great to be Liverpool’s number 1, but that adds pressure.”

He will now go on to face India’s Nitin Kumar in the second round this Saturday, December 20th.

Kumar, a qualifier, became the first player from his country to win a World Darts Championship match in round 1 of the tournament.

Kumar beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2 in round 1, to set up this encounter.

(featured image courtesy of PDC)

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