Mike De Decker has launched a scathing attack on the Alexandra Palace crowd following his dramatic World Darts Championship defeat to David Munyua. The Belgian, a 2024 World Grand Prix champion, was the overwhelming favourite against the Kenyan veterinary surgeon, who only took up the sport after the pandemic.
Munyua, 30, staged a remarkable comeback from two sets down to win 3-2, with De Decker missing multiple match darts. The African celebrated by dancing down the oche, and the crowd cheered his every move, while De Decker was booed and jeered throughout. After the match, the Belgian vented on Instagram: 'Well done to David. But the crowd wow...booing and whistling shouldn't be normal. First to complain when it happens to UK players in Europe, but doing the same when the tournament is in the UK.'
Munyua, the first Kenyan to win at the Palace, told Sky Sports: 'It is amazing. I was not expecting it. It is a very big moment for the sport, for Africa, for Kenya.' He now faces Kevin Doets or Matthew Dennant in the second round, having secured at least £25,000 in prize money. Reflecting on the atmosphere, he added: 'I've never been in such a venue before with the noise and pressure. It might be easier in the second round.'
