Stephen Bunting showed his class and experience on the big stage as “The Bullet” stormed into the third round with a commanding 3–0 victory over Nitin Kumar. It was a professional, ruthless display from the former world champion, who barely put a foot wrong as he reminded everyone why he remains one of the most dangerous players in the field.
From the opening leg, Bunting set the tone with heavy scoring and clinical finishing, giving Kumar very little room to settle. His trademark fluent throw and relentless pressure meant he was always one step ahead, capitalising on almost every opportunity that came his way. The scoreline may look straightforward, but it reflected just how sharp Bunting was throughout the contest.
Nitin Kumar, however, deserves huge credit for his performance across the tournament. The Indian star played with bravery and composure, and even in defeat he showed moments of quality that underlined his growing stature on the world stage. Facing a player of Bunting’s calibre is never easy, especially under the bright lights, yet Kumar competed with pride and never stopped fighting. His journey in this event will be remembered as a significant step forward, and he can take immense confidence from it.
For Bunting, this win is another statement of intent. After a strong season and renewed belief in his game, he looks focused and hungry for a deep run. His scoring power, combined with improved consistency on the doubles, makes him a serious threat to anyone left in the draw.
As the tournament moves into the business end, Stephen Bunting will be pleased with how efficiently he handled this test. Fair play to Nitin Kumar for a great tournament and a performance to be proud of, but on this occasion, it was The Bullet who fired true. Well done, Stephen — on to the next round. 🎯
Be the first to comment