In a stunning upset at the PDC World Darts Championship, Ricky Evans eliminated the seventh seed, James Wade, in a dramatic second-round clash at London's Alexandra Palace.
The 35-year-old from Kettering, known for his love of Christmas, secured a nail-biting 3-2 victory, marking the departure of the highest seed so far in this year's tournament.
A Festive Dilemma After Christmas Cheer
Evans, famed for his festive shirts and walking out to Shakin' Stevens' 'Merry Christmas Everyone', even entered the stage holding a dancing Santa toy. However, his victory, which sees him progress beyond the 25th of December, has created a unique problem.
"The problem is now I'm [playing] after Christmas," Evans said post-match. "I'm going to have to walk on to something not Christmas, aren't I? I'm going to have Like a Prayer … Madonna. Who cares? I'm still going."
Thriller at Ally Pally: How the Match Unfolded
The match was a classic five-set rollercoaster. Evans took the opening set against the darts, aided by a 128 checkout. Wade, a four-time world championship semi-finalist, fought back to level, famously hitting a 170 Big Fish finish.
Evans edged ahead again, but the drama peaked in the final set. The Kettering man missed seven match darts in total, including a trio at double one, and was even pulled up by the referee for an underarm throw.
Wade had his own chance to win, missing a match dart at double five when 4-3 ahead. Ultimately, Evans held his nerve, sealing the famous win with a superb 99 checkout.
"Imagine coming to darts and winning 3-0?" a jubilant Evans remarked. "What's the point? Make it interesting. I say it every year: 'I'm weird but I'm box office.'"
Elsewhere on the Alexandra Palace Stage
The championship also saw the end of a historic run for Kenyan debutant David Munyua. The full-time veterinary surgeon, who had never left Africa before this event, was defeated 3-0 by Kevin Doets.
Munyua, who received a congratulatory message from Kenya's President William Ruto after his first-round win, thrilled the pro-Kenya crowd with five 180s. Doets praised his opponent, calling him "the people's champion."
In other action, 2023 semi-finalist Gabriel Clemens found form to whitewash 31st seed Wessel Nijman 3-0, while Latvia's Madars Razma beat Scotland's Darren Beveridge 3-1.
