David Munyua believes his breakthrough performances at this year’s Paddy Power World Darts Championship have helped shine a spotlight on African darts and inspire unity across the continent. The Kenyan produced one of the tournament’s biggest shocks with a dramatic 3-2 comeback win over Mike De Decker in round one, before his historic run ended with a straight-sets defeat to Kevin Doets at Alexandra Palace.
Despite the loss, Munyua was gracious in defeat, acknowledging his opponent’s quality.
“I tried my best, but Kevin was much better than me today. I wish him the best,” said Munyua.
“It is amazing, the exposure that I have got, and playing quality players like Kevin and Mike makes it all worthwhile.
“Winning the first round was phenomenal for me, and with this being my first time at Ally Pally, I have done my best, and I am happy with that.”
Munyua exited the tournament having left a strong impression, earning praise for his fighting spirit, though world number 40 Doets proved too strong. More importantly for the 30-year-old, his appearance has already had a visible impact back home, where interest in darts has surged.
“Just appearing at Ally Pally is doing a lot,” Munyua added.
“No one knew what was going on back home, but now everyone is aware of what is happening.”
The significance of his achievement was underlined when Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto publicly congratulated him following his win over De Decker, stating that “the nation stands behind” him. Munyua believes moments like this can help bring Africa together through sport.
“If we could have different countries from Africa (at the tournament), that would be impressive,” Munyua claimed.
“If Munyua is doing it why not them? From Cameroon, Nigeria, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania.
“There is nothing that could unite Africa more than sport, sport is the only activity that can join us.”
Source: PDC.TV
