Ricky Evans steam-rolled sixth seed Nathan Aspinall in a stunning performance in Round Two of the World Darts Championships.
Evans, ranked 53rd in the PDC Order of Merit, lost the first leg of the game but was irresistible from then on. Evans proceeded to win the match in straight sets, on a scoreline of 3-0, to ensure he’ll be back at the oche post-Christmas.
This was a sensational showing from ‘Rapid Ricky’ who agreed afterwards that it was his finest win to date. The former World youth finalist belies a relaxed demeanour on stage, and walked on with a turkey-cap on his head, but his talent is undoubted.
Evans will take on Northern Irishman Daryl Gurney in the last-32 on Thursday December 28.
'Rapid' Ricky Evans is spreading the Christmas cheer (both with his outfit and dance moves!) 🎄🦃 pic.twitter.com/75xJCqqh9o
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 23, 2023
Afterwards, Evans gave a typically affable interview on Sky Sports, where he insisted that he’ll ‘continue being the same idiot.’ This was in reference to his incredibly fast-playing-style which often earns him criticism from darts pundits.
But there was very little criticism to be heard on Saturday night.
“It wasn’t about the average,” said Evans after averaging 99.38 to eliminate the 2023 Matchplay champion.
“Nathan is one of the best dart players in the world and I’ve literally just done a job on him there.
“And I’m so, so, so happy. I’m the weirdest, most loveable idiot in the world, and I’ve just beaten Nathan Aspinall!”
🗣 "I'm the weirdest, most loveable idiot in the world, and I've just beaten Nathan Aspinall!"
Ricky Evans is over the moon with his stunning win over The Asp 🤩 pic.twitter.com/LkEYh3dgH5
— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) December 23, 2023
“There’s another game now,” continued Evans.
“I’m not worried about who, where, how, when. If I can play darts, I will do some damage.
“I showed a little bit there, showed a little bit of steel as well.
“There’s a funny walk-on, there’s a funny me, but there’s also a good dart-player there as well. And eventually, it will come out. I get to eat my Christmas dinner now with a little bit of ‘ooh, I’m still in the tournament.”
“If I play good darts, Daryl’s in for a problem. I could easily lose, I could easily win. It’s just on the day.”
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