History for African darts! David Munyua becomes first Kenyan ever to qualify for PDC World Darts Championship

For the first time in history, Kenya will have a representative at the PDC World Darts Championship later this year. David Munyua provided a resounding surprise in the African qualifying tournament by upsetting the field and securing a trip to the iconic Alexandra Palace in December.

The rise of darts in Africa has been visible for several years. The African Darts Group is investing heavily in expanding the sport outside traditional South African strongholds. Last year, it almost hit its stride: Peter Wachiuri was then close to reaching the final of the World Championship qualifying tournament, but lost narrowly to Cameron Carolissen. This time, Wachiuri was left stranded in the last 64 against compatriot David Gaitho (4-2).

South African heavyweights Johan Geldenhuys and Carl Gabriel also had to pack up early, respectively against Liam Nicholson and again Carolissen (both 5-2). Devon Petersen left a stronger impression than in 2024, but 'The African Warrior' could not live up to the dream either, as he bowed 6-3 to Carolissen in the quarterfinals.

Carolissen seemed once again on his way to repeating his success. The Javelin' eliminated Ugandan outsider Patrick Ocheng in the semifinals and was ready for another final match. There, however, he faced an inspired David Munyua, who in the quarterfinals had already posted a good average of 86.82 and had thus made his mark.

From the beginning of the final, Munyua seized the initiative. With two 16-darters and a 13-darter, he forced Carolissen to chase. After eight legs the score was 5-3 in favour of the Kenyan, and the tension began to mount. Carolissen fought his way back into the match, but missed four chances to force a deciding leg.

Munyua smelled his chance and kept his cool. With double 16, he not only wrote the duel, but also Kenyan darts history. As the crowd stormed the stage frantically, one thing was certain: for the first time, a Kenyan will shine on the stage at Alexandra Palace.