In a stunning second-round upset at the PDC World Darts Championship, Ricky Evans knocked out seventh seed James Wade in a dramatic 3-2 victory at London's Alexandra Palace. The win has left the Christmas-loving player with a festive conundrum over his future walk-on music.
Festive Spirit Meets High-Stakes Drama
True to his seasonal reputation, Evans entered the arena to the sound of Shakin' Stevens' Merry Christmas Everyone, clutching a dancing Santa toy. However, the 35-year-old from Kettering faced a nerve-shredding conclusion to the match, missing seven match darts before finally sealing victory in the deciding set with a superb 99 checkout.
Wade, a four-time world championship semi-finalist, had his own chance to win, missing a match dart at double five when leading 4-3 in legs in the final set. This defeat makes him the highest seed to exit this year's tournament so far.
Evans Contemplates a Post-Christmas Playlist Change
In the aftermath of his breathless win, Evans immediately addressed his trademark festive entrance. "The problem is now I'm [playing] after Christmas," he said. "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."
The match itself was a rollercoaster. Evans took the first set against the darts, aided by a 128 checkout. Wade responded by levelling the match, famously achieving a 170 'Big Fish' finish. Evans reclaimed the lead by taking the third set, but lost his composure as Wade forced a decider.
Other Second-Round Action at Ally Pally
The championship also saw the end of a historic run for Kenyan debutant David Munyua, who was defeated 3-0 by Kevin Doets. Munyua, a full-time veterinary surgeon from Nairobi who had never left Africa before this tournament, had won his first-round match to delight fans back home and even earned congratulations from Kenya's President, William Ruto.
Elsewhere, 2023 semi-finalist Gabriel Clemens rediscovered his form to sweep aside the 31st seed, Wessel Nijman, 3-0. Clemens now awaits the winner of the match between second seed Luke Humphries and veteran Paul Lim. Latvia's Madars Razma also progressed, beating Scotland's Darren Beveridge 3-1.
Evans, reflecting on his dramatic victory, summed up his unpredictable style: "Imagine coming to darts and winning 3-0? What's the point? Make it interesting. I say it every year: 'I'm weird but I'm box office.' Come on." His win ensures the festive spirit, and perhaps a new walk-on song, continues at the Palace.
