David Munyua stages remarkable comeback to defeat Mike de Decker
Kenya’s David Munyua pulled off one of the biggest shocks of this year’s PDC World Championship, battling back from two sets down to defeat world number 18 Mike de Decker 3-2 at Alexandra Palace, reports BritPanorama.
The first-time competitor, who earned his spot through the African Darts Group Qualifier, produced a remarkable turnaround in Thursday’s afternoon session. It was a thrilling contest that saw Munyua squander opportunities to take the second set before finding his rhythm and grinding out victories in the third, fourth and deciding sets.
The Kenyan’s resilience proved too much for the Belgian, who will be left wondering how the match slipped away. The deciding set was pure drama from start to finish. Munyua found himself broken in the opening leg, putting him on the back foot when it mattered most.
What happened next was stunning; Munyua produced an incredible 135 checkout, hitting the outer bull, treble 20 and bullseye to level things up. It was the kind of finish that gets crowds on their feet and sends shockwaves through the sport. Munyua held his nerve brilliantly to close out the match and complete what had seemed an unlikely victory just sets earlier.
Speaking to Sky Sports after his historic triumph, Munyua was clearly overwhelmed by what he’d achieved. “It is amazing. I didn’t expect it. But now it has happened and I’m happy about it,” he said. “It is a very big moment for the sport itself, for Africa and Kenya. It is humbling. The sport can grow. I’m happy I did my best.” He also revealed he’d had to battle through some miscounting during the match but refused to let it derail him. “I’m happy the miscount didn’t affect me. I came back and still got the momentum, was focused and concentrated. I’m just happy the game didn’t go foul.”
Sky Sports Darts commentator Mark Webster praised the spectacle, stating, “That is what the World Championship is about. It had a bit of everything. It had miscounts, it had mis-shots, celebrations and drama. We are going global with this sport and this epitomises what it’s about.”
Japanese debutant Motomu Sakai also impressed earlier in the day, winning in straight sets against France’s Thibaut Tricole while entertaining the Ally Pally crowd with his showmanship. Meanwhile, other competitors such as Ryan Joyce and Callan Rydz progressed, with the evening session set to feature Fallon Sherrock facing Dave Chisnall and three-time champion Michael van Gerwen beginning his campaign.
In a sport where surprises are always part of the narrative, Munyua’s victory serves as a vivid reminder of the unpredictability of match play, showcasing how the underdog can rise against the odds, captivating fans and fellow competitors alike.
