Kenya’s darting dream crashed Monday as David Munyua’s run at the 2026 professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Darts Championship came to an end in Round 2, falling to Dutch sensation Kevin Doets in a high-stakes showdown that silenced the buzzing hype around Africa’s breakout star.
In the second round of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, Kenya’s David Munyua, known for his inspiring mantra “Why not?” faced a formidable challenge against Dutchman Kevin Doets. Ranked 40th in the PDC Order of Merit, Doets delivered a dominant performance, defeating Munyua 3-0 in sets. He dominated the match with a 90 average, five 180s, and a high checkout of 121 showcasing his class and experience on the big stage.
Munyua had previously made headlines by becoming the first Kenyan to play and win a match at the PDC World Darts Championship, overcoming world number 18 Mike De Decker in a remarkable comeback from two sets down. Doets on the other hand advanced to the second round after a 3-1 victory over Matthew Dennant, where he averaged 92 and hit two 180s.
Kevin Doets is now on a collision course with either world number 7 Nathan Aspinall or American sharpshooter Leonard Gates (ranked 63), depending on the outcome of their Round 2 duel. The high-stakes Round 3 showdown is expected between December 27th and 29th, 2025, a clash that promises fireworks and stage drama, no matter who steps up to the toe line.
“I apologize; I was cocky. And I meant no disrespect to David Munyua or the crowd. It’s just that I’m a top 40 player and he is not,” Doets commented after winning round 2.
The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship has proven to be a tournament of unexpected twists and fierce competition. In a stunning turn of events, former world champion and among the top tournament favorites, Michael Smith, was eliminated in the second round by Niels Zonneveld, who secured a 3-1 victory.
Adding to the list of surprises, 9th seed Gerwyn Price suffered a shocking 3-0 defeat to Dutch forklift driver Wesley Plaisier in the second round. Plaisier’s performance was dominant, and he described the win as the “biggest victory” of his career.
The early departures of seasoned players like Smith and Price illustrate the championship’s intensity and the level of competition faced by all participants. Munyua’s achievements, especially as a newcomer, highlight the unpredictable and thrilling nature of this year’s tournament.
Munyua’s Sh4.2 million as prize money not only rewards his skill as a darts player but also symbolizes the potential for emerging talents from non-traditional darts nations to make their mark on the world stage.
“This is a life-changing moment for me, my friends, and darts players across Africa. Seeing how far I’ve come; many now believe they can do it too. That alone is powerful. Africa needs to embrace darts, not just as a hobby, but as a serious sport worthy of investment and support. With the right backing, darts can be truly life-changing.
I’m encouraged by this journey, and I believe it will shift how the sport is seen in Kenya. We’ve long needed this kind of support, and now there’s hope. Darts can be professional. It should be professional. We must show the next generation that darts is a sport for everyone,” Munyua said after the round 2 game.
While Munyua’s journey in the tournament ended in a debacle with the loss in round 2, his historic win in the first round has left a lasting impact on the darts community, inspiring many in Kenya and beyond.
By Victor Ngugi
