Overview
- Kumar edged Richard Veenstra 3-2 at Alexandra Palace to advance on his fifth try after four prior first-round exits.
- He converted nine of 12 checkout attempts, including his last seven doubles, while Veenstra produced heavier scoring with five 100-plus finishes and a 144 high.
- The 40-year-old, known as 'The Royal Bengal,' called the result "highway robbery" and said the moment could encourage more Indian players to pursue the sport.
- Glen Durrant praised the contest on Sky Sports as one of the best he has commentated on and highlighted its significance for Indian darts.
- This year’s event features an expanded 128-player field competing for £5 million, and Kumar may face Stephen Bunting next depending on the evening session outcome.