"I felt much more pressure this year" - David Munyua returns to World Darts Championship after nerve-wracking qualifier

David Munyua is preparing for a second consecutive appearance at the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. The Kenyan made history with his debut on darts' biggest stage last year and has now managed to qualify once again. However, his return was far from straightforward, with Munyua forced to dig deep in the decisive qualifying match to secure his place at the tournament.

Speaking to the Weekly Dartscast, Munyua reflected on his qualifying campaign and admitted that the pressure had been considerably greater than during his successful run last year.

"Yes, there was more pressure this year because last year, it wasn't such a big deal," Munyua admitted.

"I was learning and I wasn't in particularly good form. However, this year there was a little bit more pressure because almost everyone really wanted to challenge me or wanted to go to the World Championship. So the competition was more intense. I think this year I had more pressure compared to last year."

The final of the qualifying tournament proved particularly tense. Munyua faced fellow Kenyan Evans Njuguna, who moved into a 7-6 lead to leave his opponent just one leg away from elimination.

"I had a lot of pressure, actually," Munyua explained. "I'd changed my darts and there was a little bit of a struggle with my finishing. But I think I'd already accepted that, whether I won or lost, I knew what I was really missing. So I wasn't really feeling that pressure. I was trying to find my throw again, just to stay in the game."

Njuguna then missed a match dart, allowing Munyua to capitalise and level the contest at 7-7. The Kenyan had the advantage of throwing first in the deciding leg and produced a 180 on his second visit to establish a commanding lead, before eventually completing the comeback to secure victory.

"I still had a lot to figure out because I'd changed my throw, so I was trying to get used to it," Munyua explained. "I think I had to make sure I didn't lose focus and that I got the job done. There was a lot to adjust to. I think that 180 put me in a better position to relax and take control of the game."

With that dramatic victory, Munyua secured his return to the World Darts Championship after another nerve-wracking qualification campaign