Although not in the best of shape, fan favorite “Rapid” Ricky Evans survived a grueling first round draw with Gordon Mathers 3-2, setting up a showdown with Dave Chisnall.
Like every year, Ricky Evans brought Alexandra Palace the crowds come alive with their Christmas themes. Accompanied by an inflatable elf, Evans, known for his fast-paced throwing style, recorded every second of his ascent, holding the audience in his hands as he sang the Shakin Stevens classic “Merry Christmas Everyone.” When the darts began, Evans also looked very good, taking out a competitive opening set to take a 1-0 lead.
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But Mathers didn’t just hang on to the lead despite losing the first set, and in the second quarter the Australian began to take control, breaking a shot in the opener and holding on to take a two-set lead. After several missed darts by Evans in the third game, Mathers pinned a double four to finish the set and bring the contest back to 1-1.
In the third set, the Australian continued to put pressure on Evans, giving himself plenty of opportunities in the outside ring. However, in Mathers’ case, this clinicality began to leave him at the wrong moment when Evans managed to escape somewhat and get back into the lead at 2-1.
From there, Evans could be expected to race to the finish. It didn’t quite work out that way, however, as Mathers continued to chip away at the deficit, breaking Evans’ throw in the fourth part of the set for a 2-1 lead. After Evans missed the top of the fourth, Mathers was penalized to force a fifth and deciding set.
Despite a visibly frustrated Evans, who berated himself after each poor dart, the Englishman managed to break the shot in the first part of set 5. After Mathers missed the dart and bounced straight in the second round, Evans was suddenly one leg away from victory. Mathers held tight to the leg 3, forcing Evans to shoot. Pinning a superb 109, victory was assured.
