INTERVIEW - Evans reflects on continuing competitive action in MODUS Live League Tournaments: "To be able to get the match practice in for the foreseeable future is really good"

David Evans has been a main stay in the MODUS Live League competitions (Modus Icons of Darts and Modus A Night At The Darts) since they began four weeks ago with 'Stretch' impressing many with his performances.

This included winning the first week of action in the Modus Icons of Darts League. The former BDO World Championship participant caught up with DartsNews.com, before he began week three of the Modus A Night At The Darts where he claimed the first night.

He spoke about the success of the league so far. Also having to endure a nervous wait to see if he claimed the first week due to not playing.

"It's been absolutely brilliant. Playing with some of the best players and it's good to get that practice when obviously we're not playing competitive darts," said Evans to DartsNews.

"It was nerve wracking to be fair and I know it's not as competitive being at home. When you think you could win the first week and I sat at home and waiting for the last game it was nerve racking. Especially with how good Wessel (Nijman) was playing. When Mark (Webster) beat him though I thought "thank you very much Mark."

Differences in playing at home

Evans also discussed the differences in playing at home and being in that environment. As well as also going from playing from the afternoon to the evening sessions. Which he has done having played in both since it's iteration.

"It's good in a way because you're in your own environment and you're used to practising in your own home. But then having them in your ear and knowing they are there and you can hear what they are scoring, it's slightly different. For sure it's a lot more comfortable than the pressures of a major tournament."

"It's been good, it's different playing in the morning and afternoon because we're used to that playing on the Challenge Tour. Playing in the evening, it's just like playing in an exhibition really."

On facing Martin Adams

Martin Adams has been also involved in proceedings in the past few weeks. 'Stretch' paid tribute not only to the darting legend, but the new crop of talent that are coming up who have honed their craft in these tournaments.

"At 63 years old he is still proving he can play with the best players in the world, which is amazing," Evans continued.

"You've got the likes of Wessel (Nijman), 19 years old and what a talent. Jason Askew as well and they're hitting regular mid 90's averages every game, so if you're not on form on that particular day, you're in trouble."

Introduction of Sherrock and Taylor

"It's good really, it's an extra game, it's an extra mindset to get your practice in," he said. "It's a good advertisement for MODUS and the game itself having the likes of Phil Taylor and Fallon Sherrock." Sherrock is now playing her first full week this time around, and Evans believes this is only a good thing for darting fans.

"Having those names around is really good; because you'll think I don't want to watch for example the PDC Home Tour and the two players that are playing. They'd rather watch Fallon versus Wessel or even myself."

''They'd rather watch that and see what Fallon and Anastasia (Dobromyslova) and everyone can do. We all know that they are capable of beating the men, which is in my eyes is a lot more entertaining.''

Effects of playing in Live Leagues when action returns

For Evans it is very much beneficial to play in these leagues when it comes to practice. For sure for future events when the Coronavirus pandemic ends.

"Only those playing in the MODUS league and obviously the PDC Home Tour have been potentially playing competitive matches," he said.

"For myself preparation for upcoming tournaments, it's been amazing playing with Fallon and obviously Adams, Mitchell, Nijman and Askew. To be able to get the match practice in for the foreseeable future is really good."

Despite the brilliance of the MODUS Live Leagues and other tournaments, Evans also spoke about the bad side regarding playing online. In particular regarding players cheating which gives a false representation as a result.

"We have seen a few things online about N01 games being played. People are averaging 159 averages and it's like they are the new Michael van Gerwen. You also find out other things like that they're not actually throwing the darts and are sitting in an armchair typing numbers in. It's not going to improve any games," he added.

Future Tour Card goals

Finally this spell in the MODUS events has given Evans the further desire to join the PDC full time. He believes that having these matches, where he has had to fight and scrap, will stand him in good stead.

"I've been trying a few years, I've been slightly unlucky. Having the experience of playing in the last few weeks and having that mentality now in coming from 3-0 down. I think I'm ready for it and ready to join the big leagues."