Ricky Evans knocks out James Wade in thrilling PDC World Championship match
Ricky Evans secured a place in the third round of the PDC World Championship after a dramatic victory over seventh seed James Wade, leaving him with an unexpected dilemma as the tournament progresses, reports BritPanorama.
The 35-year-old from Kettering won a thrilling five-set contest 3-2, clinching the match 6-4 in legs despite missing seven match darts and facing multiple momentary setbacks that nearly turned the tide in Wade’s favour.
Wade’s exit marks him as the highest-seeded player to depart the tournament thus far. His fate was sealed after he missed a crucial match dart at double five while leading 4-3 in the deciding set.
Evans, known for his rapid throw and flamboyant style, electrified the crowd at Alexandra Palace, entering the stage adorned in festive colours and accompanied by a Santa-dressed dancing toy, enhancing the lively atmosphere that characterizes this time of year.
However, by the match’s conclusion, Evans was left contemplating a shift in his usual celebratory soundtrack. “The problem is now I’m playing after Christmas,” he remarked on stage. “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 displayed a compelling exchange of momentum. Evans initially took the lead with a 128 checkout, exploiting Wade’s early miss at double five. Wade, a four-time semi-finalist, replied robustly, executing a 170 finish to level the encounter, demonstrating his experience and skill.
Despite a brief loss of composure in the fourth set, Evans rebounded emphatically, claiming the third set with a notable 13-dart leg. The contest escalated dramatically in the fifth set, with Evans surging ahead through finishes of 144 and 89. However, he faltered under pressure, missing six match darts, including three at double one, and drawing a warning from the referee for an underarm throw.
After finally missing a seventh match dart at double 16, Evans steadied himself long enough to secure a superb 99 finish and bring the crowd to life. “Imagine coming to darts and winning 3–0?” he declared. “What’s the point? Make it interesting. I say it every year, I’m weird but I’m box office.”
In a notable subplot of the evening, David Munyua, a full-time veterinary surgeon from Nairobi, experienced a heartening yet brief journey in the tournament. Munyua made history as the first Kenyan to compete at Alexandra Palace but was defeated 3-0 by Kevin Doets, despite achieving a first-round victory over world No 18 Mike de Decker.
Munyua’s participation garnered significant attention, including a congratulatory message from Kenya’s president William Ruto and enthusiastic backing from the crowd, underscoring the growing diversity in the sport. Doets’ consistent scoring ultimately proved too much for Munyua, epitomizing the high stakes of the PDC World Championship.
It’s a reminder of the unpredictability and drama that darts can deliver, where fortunes can shift in an instant, and every match weaves its own narrative, adding to the rich tapestry of competitive sport.
