MUNUYA HAD NO DARTS PRIOR TO WORLDS

DAVID MUNUYA has revealed he didn’t own a set of darts just TWO days before becoming a history-maker at Ally Pally.

The Kenyan trailblazer became the first player from his country to win a match at the PDC World Championship, edging out Mike De Decker 3–2 in a dramatic first-round clash. 

Munuya’s fairytale was halted in round two by Kevin Doets in London, but he still walked away with a life-changing £25,000. 

Remarkably, Munuya’s breakthrough came after a last-minute scramble for equipment.

He said: “When I went in there, I found a shop where I could buy a set of darts. The grip on my old darts was worn out, so I went into the shop — and nobody knew who I was at the time. 

“They asked me what type of darts I wanted and whether I was learning to play so they could advise me. I told them, ‘No, I’ll be playing darts on Thursday.’ 

“It was Tuesday, and they asked which competition I would be playing in. I said, ‘The World Championship.’ 

“They were like, ‘Wow — you’ve come here to buy darts to play in the PDC on Thursday, and you’ve left it until the last minute?’ 

“They asked if I was sure, and I said yes. I told them exactly which darts I wanted. Luckily, they had them in stock and were kind enough not to sell them to me — they just gave them to me. 

“That’s why I had Darts GB on my shirt. I decided to put their logo on because, to me, it was the greatest act of kindness. 

“When you become a professional, companies normally make darts for you and they sell them under your name.  

“The one’s I bought were under somebody’s name. They are sold for him. 

“Even he tweeted saying, ‘Munuya is playing with my darts better than I could.’ 

“I’m very grateful it all went well.” 

Those darts belonged to fellow professional Cam Crabtree, who saw the funny side and posted the message on social media after Munuya’s historic triumph. 

Munuya believes his mental preparation played a key role in his success at the major tournament. 

He added: “I think I had an advantage because I’ve always followed the PDC World Championship and always imagined myself there. 

“I’ve trained as if I’m there every time. Even when I’m practising in my room, I put the PDC music on. 

“I imagine the situation — that this is all I have left — and ask myself, ‘What do I do here?’ 

“So, I’ve been mentally training to play at Alexandra Palace, and that really helped a lot.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.