Bold breakthrough at the World Darts Championship 2026: Nitin Kumar makes history as the first Indian to win a match at Ally Pally
Nitin Kumar staged a historic upset, becoming the first Indian player to secure a victory at the PDC Darts World Championship, edging out Dutchman Richard Veenstra in a dramatic 3-2 triumph.
At 40 years old, Kumar had previously fallen in the first round across four appearances at Alexandra Palace. This time, his perseverance paid off, landing him a place in the last 64 of the event.
Though Veenstra outscored Kumar, Kumar’s finishing proved decisive, boasting a 75% checkout rate and converting all of his final seven doubles.
“I don’t know what to say right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m happy,” said Kumar, who goes by the nickname ‘The Royal Bengal.’
“If you dream it, anything is possible. I’ve dreamed of this since I watched Dennis Priestley win the World Championship in 1994.”
Asked about the potential impact on darts in India, Kumar replied: “I’ve opened the floodgates to a billion of them.” He added with a playful caveat: “If, ten years from now, you have eight players in the World Championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”
Looking ahead, Kumar could face fourth seed Stephen Bunting, who battles Sebastian Bialecki in Sunday’s evening session.
Veenstra registered five finishes of 100-plus, with his top 144. Kumar, while not as flashy, demonstrated striking consistency as the Alexandra Palace crowd roared his name.
Glen Durrant, speaking on Sky Sports, called it “one of the greatest games I have ever commentated on,” highlighting not only the match quality but the signal it sends for Indian darts’ growth.
Earlier, world number 27 Ritchie Edhouse was eliminated by debutant Jonny Tata, losing 3-0 to the New Zealander and tasting disappointment at this stage for the fourth time.
Yet the day’s results were kinder to fellow seed Joe Cullen, who cruised past Bradley Brooks 3-0, delivering a high-caliber performance with a second-highest average on the world stage at 99.33.
Another newcomer, Englishman Dom Taylor, also advanced, sweeping Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak 3-0 and delivering a standout 114 checkout.
Afternoon results:
- Ritchie Edhouse (27) 0-3 Jonny Tata
- Dom Taylor 3-0 Oskar Lukasiak
- Richard Veenstra 2-3 Nitin Kumar
- Joe Cullen (32) 3-0 Bradley Brooks
Next up from 19:00 GMT:
- Lukas Wenig vs Wesley Plaisier
- Dimitri van den Bergh (23) vs Darren Beveridge
- Stephen Bunting (4) vs Sebastian Bialecki
- James Hurrell vs Stowe Buntz
Thoughts and questions to consider: Do you think Kumar’s breakthrough signals a lasting shift for darts in India, or is it a momentary spark? How should the sport nurture emerging talents from non-traditional regions to sustain growth? Share your views in the comments.
