Alexandra Palace went crazy for Kenyan darts player David Munyua on Thursday as he knocked 18th seed and former Grand Prix winner Mike De Decker out of the World Darts Championship.
Munyua, 30, is a full-time vet and the first-ever Kenyan player to take part in the World Championship, revealing his trip to London was also the first time he had ever left Africa.
It had seemed that the game would be a routine victory for De Decker, who made waves when he claimed the Grand Prix title in 2024. The Belgian was 2-0 up in good time, before his opponent made a stunning comeback, pinning double 20 to win the game in the final set and send the crowd into raptures.
Speaking to Sky Sports after his victory, Munya said: ‘This is amazing, I was not expecting it. But it has happened and I am happy about it. It is a very big moment for the sport itself, for Africa, for Kenya. We can do it – the sport can grow and I am happy I did my best and the outcome is good.’
Before the competition, he told DartsNews: ‘It’s pretty cold here, and it’s raining. Back home it’s a lot warmer, believe me. But hey, the weather doesn’t bother me. We’re here on a mission.
He had to travel over 14 hours to get from Nairobi to London, saying of the English capital: ‘Amazing city. Although the Worlds might fall in the wrong season. I’ve never experienced temperatures like this. But we were prepared.’
Munyua had to secure sponsors to fund his trip, but has now pocketed at least £25,00 by reaching the second round at Ally Pally.
He had also explained that he only started playing three years ago, having previously been interested in pool instead. Of his participation in the event, he added: ‘That really is a dream come true. Since I started playing darts, I’ve always wanted to represent my country and continent. This is a big deal, for myself and my people back home.’
On De Decker, he said: ‘I’m a fan of his. I really like his playing style. Last year I was cheering for him and really hoped he would win the Grand Prix. I was very happy for him when he actually won. Mike is a very good player. And now I have the honor to play against someone I look up to.’
He has now beaten that person he looks up to, and will now take on either Kevin Doets or Matthew Dennant in the second round.
Earlier in the day, three players had secured comfortable victories, with Callan Rydz beating Patrik Kovacs, Masato Sakai upsetting Thibault Tricole and Ryan Joyce getting the better of Owen Bates.
One particular man in attendance, meanwhile, was Billy, who won a Fireball competition to attend all 21 days of the World Championship.
Having been deemed the Final Boss, Billy will watch darts every day of the Championship, with a bespoke Final Boss caravan situated outside Ally Pally to give him some relaxing time if he needs to recover.
Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen will make his return to Alexandra Palace in the evening session when he takes on Mitsuhiko Tatsunami.
