EVANS IN TEARS AFTER MUM WATCHES ALLY PALLY WIN

RICKY EVANS was left close to tears after winning in front of his mum for the first time at the World Darts Championship. 

‘Rapid’ produced a composed display, averaging 92.26 as he swept aside Man Lok Leung 3-0 to reach the second round. 

But the result was secondary on an emotional night for Evans, who admitted spotting his mum in the crowd meant more than anything else. 

Evans revealed the victory was another special box ticked in his career, as he struggled to keep his emotions in check on the biggest stage. 

He said: “It’s amazing mate honestly. We all have mum and dads. 

“I’m still on good terms with both of them. I’m welling up here. 

“She won’t know what happened. But it is so nice to win in front her. 

“I’m hoping on Sunday she doesn’t want to come again and stays at home to wrap my presents! 

“She has been here and I have won. That is another tick for me. I’m over the moon to win in front of my mum. 

“My dad is my hero. My mum is the best person in the world.” 

Earlier in the night, Evans had already whipped the Ally Pally crowd into a frenzy with another trademark Christmas-themed walk-on, this time strutting out to Shakin’ Stevens’ festive classic ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’. 

The 35-year-old fully embraced the spirit of the season, wearing a Santa-themed shirt complete with snowflake-patterned trousers as fans sang along. 

World No 40 Evans suffered a wardrobe malfunction on stage following his victory. 

Evans ripped his trousers, then jokingly covered the tear before turning to the crowd and bending over to show off the split! 

Kettering thrower Evans also launched an emotional rant about Gravy after booking his place in the last 64. 

He added: “Gravy is the devil.  

“Hate it. Everyone loves it don’t they? 

“My sister, when she was alive, her and mum used to… they could bath in it. 

“I hate it. Apparently as a boy I loved it. That and baked beans, God (motions being sick). I hate it. Give me some cranberry sauce, ketchup will do! 

“I just hate it. There’s something about the old KFC… even that, KFC, everyone raves about it. Just my opinion!” 

Image by Taylor Lanning.