'Rapid' Ricky seeking some revenge in the Matchplay

Ricky Evans is hoping to gain a measure of revenge in this year’s Betfred World Matchplay.

The Kettering darts star has qualified for the event for the second year in a row and, like in 2019, he will face world number seven Daryl Gurney.

This year’s event, which is one of the major PDC competitions, will certainly have a different feel.

In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, it will be played behind closed doors at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes instead of its traditional home of the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

But Evans, who is always a favourite of the crowd, insists he will be his usual “smiley, wacky” self as he bids to avenge the 10-7 defeat he suffered to Gurney last year.

“The strength in depth in darts these days is unbelievable and you just have to look at the players who aren’t in it to see that,” Evans, who plays his first-round match live on Sky Sports on Monday night, said.

“Daryl beat me in the first round in Blackpool last year so I’d like to get my revenge.

“He is a quality dart player but I have beaten him on television before.

“I have been practising hard. The lockdown has got me on the board and I am enjoying it.

“I will be ready for him and if I can turn them he will have a game on his hands rather than me just giving it to him.

“It will be a bit strange without the fans and I guess some of the top players who play in front of huge crowds quite often will find it a bit strange but it will be like playing in a county match.

“I am going to enjoy it. It will be new for everyone but I will be the same smiley, wacky character!”

Evans had a nervy wait before finding out he had qualified for the Matchplay.

The PDC Summer Series in Milton Keynes last week saw five Players Championship events taking place as professional darts got under way again after the lockdown.

And while he may not have gone deep into any of the competitions, his consistency ultimately paid off.

“In qualifying for this I have never really gone deep into a tournament,” he added.

“But it’s pleasing that all the board finals and last 16s have added up for me. I have got in through the backdoor as the last man.

“I wasn’t expecting anything at the start of the week, I just wanted to put myself in with a chance and it was a huge relief to hear the news that I got through.