RAPID RICKY BREAKS NEW GROUND! 👏 Ricky Evans is through to a TV ranking semi-final for the first time in his career! The Kettering ace eventually gets over the line to defeat Rob Cross in a hard-fought affair! 📺 bit.ly/UKOpen24Live #UKOpenDarts | QFs
Ricky Evans makes first major semi final after defeating Rob Cross at UK Open
PDCSunday, 03 March 2024 at 15:45
Ricky Evans is through to his first major semi final after he overcame Rob Cross in the quarter finals of the UK Open. It was a scrappy occasion with both players averaging less than 90 and missing 53 darts at double between them, but 'Rapid' won't care as he continued his dream run in Minehead.
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Both players traded breaks and holds in the first four legs, with Evans taking Cross' throw with a 24-darter in the second. Cross had dropped just 11 legs in his campaign so far, but found himself 3-2 down going into the first break.
Evans and Cross were playing on the main stage for the first time this weekend, and both struggled to adapt. We were expecting them to improve in the second session, but it was a case of more missed doubles, with Cross missing six to break and go 4-3 up. 'Voltage' still battled his way to a level game after 10 legs, however, with a 12-darter finished with a 92 checkout.
'Rapid' then surged ahead by winning the next three legs in 42 darts with checkouts of 109 and 84, but missed two darts at D16 to go within one of victory. Remarkably he was allowed back to the board, after Cross missed seven darts to make it 8-8, and pinned double eight. It felt fitting that there would be drama at the end, as Evans missed six match darts before finally winning it on double one.
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- When Littler has at least five ranking Majors he’s in the discussion, until then, forget it.Mysstree14-11-2024
- This is the difference between other players and Phil Taylor. Phil would be completely motivated even before his walk on and didn't need anything else to do so.richieburnettrocks14-11-2024
- Still impressive though. Also literally everyone cares about averages that's what makes darts fascinating.medinabello14-11-2024
- BS he won a Euro Tour during this down period something that not many players can say. Dobey, Noppy, DvD, Ross Smith to name just a few.medinabello14-11-2024
- Maybe the supposed top players are burnt out from the endless travelling and tournaments, I just don't think they have the dedication or outright desire to win. I think they are more interested in the money and being popular, just keeping their rankings steady. The only thing that mattered to Phil Taylor was winning, not winning a few games to top up the money pot and seeking the fans attention. Maybe there is too many tournaments now and the enthusiasm is gone. This year especially has seen so many different winners and unexpected draws and line ups.richieburnettrocks14-11-2024