DAVID MUNYUA produced one of the biggest upsets in the history of the World Darts Championship and then said: That was for Africa.
The first Kenyan to grace the Ally Pally stage danced during his walk-on and he was boogieing off following a sensational 3-2 win over Belgian contender Mike De Decker.
Kenya’s David Munyua pulled off one of the biggest shocks in World Darts Championship historyCredit: Getty
Munyua – who was a 2,500-1 longshot – came from two sets down to stun Mike De DeckerCredit: PA
The full-time vet from Nairobi came from two sets down, survived THREE match darts and left with the crowd singing his name.
Munyua – who is nicknamed Why Not? – had to appeal for cash to fund his trip from East Africa to London after qualifying for a spot at the in the 128-player draw.
Yet despite an all-action display in which he miscounted on a score of 99, took out a 135 on the Bull and went six perfect arrows towards a possible nine-darter, he knocked out the No.18 seed.
For De Decker, his hopes of the £1million title and maybe a Premier League place have gone but he had to cope with the crowd booing as he threw for key doubles.
Munyua, a 2,500-1 tournament outsider, had never been outside of the African continent before this trip but now he has to hang around to face Dutchman Kevin Doets or Englishman Matthew Dennant.
He managed to before flying away.
And he even admitted he tried to put the insect – which some fans think is a good luck charm – in his POCKET.
The amateur star said: “This is amazing. I didn’t expect it. I am happy about it.
The debutant said he killed the infamous Ally Pally wasp before putting it in his POCKETCredit: X @OfficialPDC
“This is a very big moment for the sport itself, for Africa, for the Kenyans.
“If I can do it, they can believe they can do it. The sport can grow. I am happy I did my best and the outcome is quite good. At 2-0 down, to be honest I was doing my best.
“We have a very good terminology in my local area which says there is no big difference if you know how it is done – go there and do it.
“I like the outcome. I am happy about the outcomes. There was a moment of miscounts. I am pleased it didn’t affect me.
“I miscounted. I came back and still got the momentum, I focused and concentrated. I am happy. Thank you so much – Why not?”
Meanwhile De Decker, 30, fumed at the behaviour of the Ally Pally crowd after his shock first round exit.
The former World Grand Prix champ said on Instagram: “Well done to David but the crowd, wow.
“Booing and whistling shouldn’t be something that’s normal or supported.
“First to complain when it happens to UK players in Europe but then doing the exact same thing when the tournament is in the UK.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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