"I'd probably have beat 28 or 29 of the seeds that day and it was just my luck" - Ricky Evans recalls World Championship destruction by Michael van Gerwen

Ricky Evans has been making great strides in the PDC so far in 2024, reaching a first major semi-final at the UK Open, and coming close to a first PDC title at the most recent block of Pro Tour action, losing to Mike De Decker in the final of a Players Championship event.

Speaking on a recent episode of the Weekly Dartscast, the fastest thrower in the world reflected on his recent successes and his early career beginnings playing county darts. "I remember winning my first game and crying on stage as a 13 year old boy. The memories are still there," he recalls. "I don't get nervous in darts. I'm a very happy, entertaining weirdo, but I get really nervous playing county because you're the big dog, you're expected to win. You're the professional, it's you're job to win."

As mentioned, earlier this year, Evans made his real TV breakthrough, reaching the semi-finals of the 2024 UK Open. "The UK Open is my favourite tournament, I've said it many times on different interview platforms," Evans says, recalling an early taste of the prestigious tournament, facing the legendary Steve Beaton. "I got the chance to play a legend, gave him a good game and I remember he said after 'how the hell have you lost that' or something like that. From that I just thought wow maybe I could like push these boys in the future obviously I'm doing it sometimes now."

Due to his somewhat inconsistent performances over recent years, Evans has entered a number of World Darts Championship events at the Alexandra Palace ranked 32. Whilst seeded status is obviously a positive, it does mean playing the world number one a lot earlier than would be preferable. One such occurrence came against Michael van Gerwen in the Covid-affected worlds. "I was I think 3-0 down averaging 105 and I remember literally putting my hands in the air like 'what the hell and I meant to do here? Literally the guy is not missing a thing," he recalls with a laugh. "I'd probably have beat 28 or 29 of the seeds that day and it was just my luck."

In terms of improvement for the future, Evans had a clear plan, including working on the mental side of the game. "I'm just trying to show what I can do because it's is obviously there and it could be a long process but why not give it a go."