Kenya's David Munyua pulled off one of the biggest shocks of this year's PDC World Championship, battling back from two sets down to defeat world number 18 Mike de Decker 3-2 at Alexandra Palace.
The first-time competitor, who earned his spot through the African Darts Group Qualifier, produced a remarkable turnaround in Thursday's afternoon session.
It was a thrilling contest that saw Munyua squander opportunities to take the second set before finding his rhythm and grinding out victories in the third, fourth and deciding sets.
The Kenyan's resilience proved too much for the Belgian, who will be left wondering how the match slipped away.
Kenya's David Munyua came back from 2-0 down to beat Mike De Decker
|PA
The deciding set was pure drama from start to finish.
Munyua found himself broken in the opening leg, putting him on the back foot when it mattered most.
But what happened next was absolutely stunning – the Kenyan produced an incredible 135 checkout, hitting the outer bull, treble 20 and bullseye to level things up.
It was the kind of finish that gets crowds on their feet and sends shockwaves through the sport.
From there, Munyua held his nerve brilliantly to close out the match and complete what had seemed an unlikely victory just sets earlier.
DAVID MUNYUA KNOCKS OUT MIKE DE DECKER IN A STUNNING UPSET! 💥 pic.twitter.com/jP8S5sNN9Y
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 18, 2025
Speaking to Sky Sports after his historic triumph, Munyua was clearly overwhelmed by what he'd achieved.
"It is amazing. I didn't expect it. But now it has happened and I'm happy about it," he said.
"It is a very big moment for the sport itself, for Africa and Kenya. It is humbling. The sport can grow. I'm happy I did my best."
The Kenyan also revealed he'd had to battle through some miscounting during the match, but refused to let it derail him.
"I'm happy the miscount didn't affect me. I came back and still got the momentum, was focused and concentrated. I'm just happy the game didn't go foul."
Sky Sports Darts commentator Mark Webster was full of praise for the spectacle.
"That is what the World Championship is about," he said.
"It had a bit of everything. It had miscounts, it had mis-shots, celebrations and drama. We are going global with this sport and this epitomises what it's about."
Japanese debutant Motomu Sakai also impressed earlier, winning in straight sets against France's Thibaut Tricole while entertaining the Ally Pally crowd with his showmanship.
Mike De Decker was left stunned after his early exit after being fancied by dark horse
|PA
Ryan Joyce and Callan Rydz also progressed, while Thursday evening sees Fallon Sherrock face Dave Chisnall and three-time champion Michael van Gerwen begin his campaign.