WADE QUERIES EVANS ON-STAGE APPROACH BEFORE CLASH
18/12/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
JAMES WADE has raised questions over Ricky Evans’ on-stage approach ahead of their World Darts Championship clash.
‘The Machine’ dispatched Ryusei Azemoto 3-0 in the first round at Ally Pally to end a run of three consecutive defeats at the sport’s showpiece event.
World No7 Wade will face Evans in the second round on December 22 and admitted his opponent can be unpredictable on the big stage.
Wade says he is unsure why ‘Rapid Ricky’ has adopted a style and persona similar to former world champion Peter Wright.
He said: “Just him, innit? “He can be brilliant, he can be mediocre. But I believe I’m the better player.
“He’s rhythmic, very happy at the moment — which is good for him — but I believe I’m a better player than him.
“We’ve all seen what Ricky does. We’ve all seen how he can be. He seems to have gone further down that route of Peter Wright.
“Not quite sure why. It is what it is, isn’t it? As a dart player, you come to play darts.
“Some players are trying to entertain people outside the game.
“That’s fine. For me, I just come to play darts. I’m quite square. I’m just grateful to win a game or play well.”
The 10-time major champion says the nerves are still there as he competes in his 22nd World Championship.
He added: “It feels nerve-wracking, same as every TV tournament.
“I get really nervous, get anxious, probably make myself a little bit unwell. That’s my make-up, that’s my character.
“I’ve done more than anyone in respect of playing tournaments and preparing for tournaments, so I probably should be more relaxed than I am — but that’s just the way I am.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
