Ricky Evans pleased with 2018 form: "Hopefully 2019 will be even better"

Ricky Evans is well on his way to being one of the PDC's rising stars.

The 28-year-old was even in a recent Sky Sports piece. There's no doubting that the Northamptonshire ace, nicknamed 'Rapid' for his quick-fire style, can make a speedy ascension up the PDC rankings. Evans explained in an interview with that he is aiming to make the step up in 2019. “I know I’m capable of hitting big averages and top performances but then again I don’t mind winning with lower key stats- averages look good but I’d rather climb the rankings," he explained. “I admire Wayne (Mardle) as a person and pundit so to have him pick me out is huge. He knows his darts and I’ll be making sure I prove to him and all the other pundits or critics that I’m a world class darter."

Euro Tour success

Evans hit the headlines at the Dutch Darts Championship, coming close to a first PDC European Tour title. Ian White edged him out in the final, but there is no doubting that it was a landmark moment for the Northamptonshire star.
“It’s got to be the biggest achievement, winning 5 games on a stage in one event was all new to me, so I was very proud of myself. I didn’t play the best in all regards. But I battled and won a few close 6-5 games instead of being the other way round.
“I loved being in a Euro final and next time I’m in the latter stages of one, I’ll know what to do and how to prepare as they’re very long days," he added with confidence.

Target practice

Confidence is something that Evans has in abundance. It has helped him to reach new heights; 2019 could mark another step up the PDC ladder. He has top manufacturer Target Darts on his side, and with their help he'll be entering this season with a fresh look. “2019 will be the first year I have my brand new darts and set up, after 15 years with the same darts. “I’m very excited to see what occurs, I’ve been practising well and playing solid locally with them. I’m pretty sure Target Darts are keen on selling them sometime in 2019 and that’s mega for me as I’ve always wanted something like this.”

Bye bye Baby Shark?

One thing that Evans won't be taking into the 2019 is 'Baby Shark'. The viral kids' tune became his walk-on in 2018, but BDO women's world champion - and Target stablemate - Mikuru Suzuki has very much made it her own.
“Mikuru is a world champion and a huge star now, so she more than deserves it as her walk on. I’ll find something stupid and wacky to walk on to, I was contemplating doing the conga or YMCA, something to get the crowd on my side and boogieing is what I’d love!” Evans joked.
If Evans continues on his current trajectory, we could be hearing the Village People on a lot of top PDC stages this season.