In the electric atmosphere of Alexandra Palace, known affectionately as Ally Pally, the PDC World Darts Championship delivered yet another unforgettable moment of drama and entertainment. Fan favorite Ricky Evans, nicknamed “Rapid” for his lightning-fast throwing style, cruised to a commanding 3-0 victory over Hong Kong’s Man Lok Leung in the first round. The world number 40 showcased his skill with a standout 134 checkout and an average exceeding 100 in the opening set, securing his spot in the next round with ease.
Evans, hailing from Kettering, has long been a crowd-pleaser at the iconic venue, renowned for his energetic entrances and ability to ignite the festive spirit. True to form, he arrived on stage decked in custom festive attire—a vibrant Christmas-themed shirt and trousers, complete with tree-shaped glasses and a cheerful hat. Walking out to Shakin’ Stevens’ classic “Merry Christmas Everyone,” he sang along enthusiastically, whipping the packed crowd into a frenzy and setting the tone for a night filled with holiday cheer.
The match itself was a one-sided affair, with Evans dominating from the outset. His rapid pace and precision left Leung struggling to keep up, and the Englishman wrapped up the win convincingly. However, the real spectacle unfolded in the moments following his victory, turning a routine post-match routine into a hilarious highlight reel.
As Evans approached the oche to retrieve his darts after sealing the final leg, one arrow slipped from his grasp and fell to the floor. Bending down to pick it up, he inadvertently caused his custom trousers to split right down the seam—a classic wardrobe malfunction that exposed more than he bargained for. Turning to the cameras with a grin, he quipped about the mishap, noting that longtime darts fans might have caught similar glimpses before. The referee and presenter shared in the surprise, but Evans took it all in stride, even showing off the tear to the roaring audience.
The entertainment didn’t stop there. In his post-match interview, Evans launched into an impromptu and passionate rant that caught everyone off guard. When asked about the festive season, he didn’t hold back: “Christmas is rubbish. It is.” The declaration immediately drew gasps and murmurs from the crowd, many of whom were dressed in holiday costumes and fully embracing the yuletide vibe.
Undeterred, Evans doubled down, turning his attention to a quintessential Christmas dinner staple. “Right, hands up if you like gravy. Hands up if you like me and gravy. Hands up if you think gravy is the devil.” His provocative questions about the beloved sauce—declaring it outright as “the devil”—elicited a strong reaction. The Ally Pally faithful, known for their passionate and vocal support, responded with a chorus of boos, clearly defending their holiday traditions and favorite condiments.
The booing intensified as Evans continued to stir the pot, but he handled it with his trademark humor. Later, in the press conference, he elaborated further: “I hate gravy. Everyone loves it don’t they? I just hate it. The smell and everything. Give me cranberry sauce or ketchup will do. That’s my opinion. My Christmas Day meal will be all the meat.” Despite admitting to being a bit of a Scrooge—disliking presents, the King’s Speech, and even EastEnders specials—Evans confessed that the championship makes the season bearable: “I only like Christmas now if I’m still in the World Championship!”
To cap off the antics, Evans leaned into the online buzz, joking with fans on social media that his animated interview was due to having “a pint of gravy mid-game…. it was strong x.” The post went viral, amplifying the laughter and cementing his status as one of the tournament’s most entertaining personalities.
This incident perfectly encapsulates the unique charm of the World Darts Championship at Ally Pally. What sets it apart from other sports is the blend of high-stakes competition and pantomime-like theater. The crowd, a mix of dedicated fans and partygoers in fancy dress, plays an integral role, cheering heroes and playfully booing villains—or in this case, anyone daring to slander Christmas or gravy. Evans, despite his anti-festive stance, remains a beloved figure precisely because of moments like these: unscripted, bold, and utterly engaging.
As the tournament progresses, with defending champion Luke Littler and other stars lighting up the stage, Evans’ performance serves as a reminder of why darts captivates millions. It’s not just about the arrows; it’s about the personalities, the surprises, and the shared joy (or mock outrage) that fills the historic venue each December. Evans advances to the next round, trouser mishap and all, ready to throw rapidly once more—perhaps with a side of cranberry sauce.
Leave a Reply