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FUMING Mike De Decker criticized the Ally Pally crowd after being eliminated from the World Darts Championship by 2,500-1 outsider David Munyua.
De Decker entered the tournament with aspirations of a deep run and possibly a spot in next year's Premier League, but he squandered a 2-0 lead.
Mike De Decker was eliminated in the first round of the WorldsCredit: Getty
David Munyua made a remarkable comeback with the support of the Ally Pally crowdCredit: PA
Munyua, the first Kenyan to compete at the Worlds, completely captivated the Ally Pally crowd, from his lively entrance to his impressive yet occasionally unpredictable darts.
After his defeat, world No. 18 De Decker had a strong message for the North London audience.
The Belgian, aged 30, posted on Instagram: “Congratulations to David, but the crowd, wow.
“Booing and whistling shouldn’t be considered normal or acceptable.
“They are the first to complain when it happens to UK players in Europe, yet they do the exact same thing when the tournament is hosted in the UK.”
Munyua, who witnessed the iconic Ally Pally wasp, will face Dutchman Kevin Doets or Englishman Matthew Dennant in the second round.
The new fan favorite—who had to seek financial assistance to cover his trip from East Africa to London—is a full-time veterinarian nicknamed “Why Not?” and continues to pursue the £1 million prize.
After his breakthrough victory, Munyua remarked: “I tried to keep the wasp in my pocket to stay with me because I enjoy overcoming challenges. I’m not sure how it happened.
“I’ve noticed it has been quite distracting on stage. That requires maximum focus. A small disturbance can impact your performance. I thought if you are coming my way, then stay with me.”
The amateur star added: “This is incredible. I didn’t expect this. I am thrilled about it.
“This is a significant moment for the sport, for Africa, and for Kenyans.
“If I can achieve this, they can believe they can do it too. The sport can expand. I’m pleased with my performance, and the outcome is quite favorable. At 2-0 down, to be honest, I was giving it my all.
“We have a saying in my local area: there is no significant difference if you know how to do it—just go out there and do it.
“I like the result. I’m happy with how things turned out. There was a moment of miscounts, but I’m glad it didn’t hinder me.
“I miscounted. I bounced back and regained my momentum, concentrating and focusing. I’m grateful. Thank you so much—Why not?”
FAQ
Who is David Munyua?
David Munyua is the first Kenyan player to compete in the World Darts Championship, known for his engaging presence and impressive performances.
What was Mike De Decker's reaction to the crowd?
Mike De Decker expressed his frustration with the crowd's booing and whistling, highlighting the inconsistency in their behavior compared to how they react to UK players in Europe.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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