EVANS REVEALS BOGEY OPPONENT

RICKY EVANS confessed that Michael van Gerwen has been his bogey opponent for nearly 20 years. 

World No. 45 Evans joked he has only managed one win in more than 60 attempts against the three-times World Champion. 

‘Rapid Ricky’ recalled their first ever meeting back in 2004 when he made his England youth debut.  

He told Crutchley Darts: “Well, I have grown up playing against Van Gerwen. 

“In 2004 I was an England International at youth level and my first ever game for England was against a big fat Dutchman called Van Gerwen. 

“He had hair, and he has beaten me ever since. 

“I think he has beaten me 62 times and I have beaten him once so we will go with him.” 

Evans has carved out some big moments of his own in the sport.  

The 35-year-old famously stunned Simon Whitlock at Ally Pally in 2015, coming from two sets down to win 3-2 with a clutch 130 checkout after the Aussie missed two match darts in round one. 

Last year he produced his best ever major run, reaching the semi-finals of the UK Open. 

Kettering thrower Evans was asked what his moment memorable moment is in his career and insists the biggest achievement may still be to come. 

He added: “There have been so many good things. Obviously, getting a Tour Card because I am still playing and have never lost it. 

“To beat Simon Whitlock at the World Championships when I was nowhere near. It was a great comeback.  

“It is very underrated as a comeback. Even Minehead getting to the semi-final, for someone like me that is a huge achievement. 

“I would like to be boring again and say my biggest achievement is coming.” 

Evans also revealed his favourite pre-game meal before taking to the oche. 

He said: “If it is in the morning I don’t eat breakfast. For a fat guy I don’t eat a lot.  

“I like a subway, something like a bacon baguette.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.