Ricky Evans made his way into the second round of the World Darts Championship on Wednesday night, but the rapid thrower admitted he was left ‘deflated’ by his performance
Darts star Ricky Evans clapped back at his haters who branded him ‘rubbish and fat’.
Decked out in festive garb and belting out ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’, Evans, 32, owned the Ally Pally stage, showing more pizzazz than your average Christmas cracker.
Not only did he leave Gordon Mathers trailing in his wake during Wednesday’s showdown, he also slammed his trolls with aplomb in a savage Facebook response.
He said, on social media: “Big thanks to all the muppets saying I’m poo at darts and fat haha.” And, for good measure: “I’m still in the world champs… and your watching me on your tv haha,” alongside an array of heart-eyed emojis.
It wasn’t all jest though; after the match, Rapid Ricky opened up about his career ups and downs, even admitting he’d shed his fair share of tears over it but remains dead-set on nabbing that World Championship crown one day, reports the Express.
Evans said: “It’s weird because it’s the most deflated I’ve ever felt coming off the stage, but I’ve won. I don’t understand how I’ve won, but I’m in the next round.
“I don’t want to let myself down… I should be seeded here, let alone winning games. I’ve said before, I overthink things… I need to be stupid behind them [pointing to ears]. I do.”
Despite being pegged as a future star after rising through the PDC Youth Ranks, the 34-year-old hasn’t quite hit the expected heights. On his talent and mental game, Evans revealed: “On pure ability, I’m definitely in the top 16. There aren’t 16 players in the world better than me, but there is when its on stage.
“They’re more professional with what they do away from darts as well. But, if I play my best darts, I am definitely up there. One million per cent. But I’ve got to prove that, the more I lose first rounds it’s not happening. I still believe I’m going to win the worlds one day.”
“I wouldn’t play the Tour, I wouldn’t go to Wigan and Leicester… I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t believe it. I get so deflated. I must’ve cried this year more than anyone else because I lost. Talking about losing and everything like that. I do believe I’m better than 80 per cent of the tour, easily.”