David Munyua made history on Thursday, December 18, after becoming the first Kenyan to win the first round of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship.
The 30-year-old came from two sets down to defeat world Number 18 Mike De Decker 3-2 in a thrilling match at Alexandra Palace.
Munyua had trailed the Belgian but made a comeback in the third and fourth sets before he took out a clutch 135 checkout on the bull in the final set to win the match.
The Kenyan national had secured his place at the tournament after beating Cameron Carolissen in the final of the African Darts Group Championship qualifier.
Speaking after the match, Munyua said he did not expect to achieve the results in the championship but was excited to have won the match.
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“That was crazy, it’s too much to express right now. I did not expect it, but I’m so excited to have won. Everyone back in my country is going crazy about it,” said Munyua.
The 30-year-old went on to say winning the first round of the World Darts Championship is a big moment for the sport in Kenya and in Africa.
“It is a very big moment for the sport itself, for Africa and Kenya. It is humbling. The sport can grow. I am happy I did my best,” he said.
Further, he said he will now relax and concentrate on his level of playing and be ready to face other opponents in the tournament.
“This was the most important game to me, now I have time to relax, get back to my nerves, concentrate on my level of playing and be ready to face whoever comes,” he added.
Munyua works full-time as a veterinarian in Kenya and has never travelled outside Africa prior to the World Championship.
The PDC World Darts Championship tournament started on Thursday, December 11, 2025 and is set to end on January 3, 2026.
The winner of the tournament will walk away with £1,000,000 (Ksh 172 million) while the runners-up will receive £400,000 (Ksh 69 million).
This comes as Kenyan continues to shine in the ongoing African Youth Games in Angola. Kenya has so far won 23 medals, including four gold, seven silver, and 12 bronze.
The team secured 4 gold medals in the boys’ 1500m, boys’ 2000m steeplechase, girls’ 800m, and boys’ 2000m, in athletics.
Kenya also earned silver medals in the girls’ 3000m, boys’ 3000m, ladies’ golf, and ladies’ and beach handball.
On Thursday, Kenya’s Linda Amanda delivered a stunning performance in weightlifting and won three medals.
