World’s fastest darts star opens up on ‘personal issues’ and ‘being a deva’ | Other | Sport

The Christmas shirt is ready and the arrows are flying in at breakneck speed – Ricky Evans season is almost upon us. Rapid’s festive-themed walk-ons are one of the highlights of the World Championship and he is ready to whip up the Alexandra Palace party-goers once again.

Evans is a showman, no doubt, but a modest one. The Kettering thrower admits his popularity still takes him by surprise. He admits: «I don’t understand why they do it. It’s probably because I’d be in there with them if I could. I’m just a normal person who plays darts in the pubs, clubs, the Super League. I’m no different there. I do what I do on stage, off stage, too. Wherever I go, whenever I play, someone always seems to go, ‘I love you, Ricky!’ 

«The crowd seem to like the walk-on and the Christmas one is coming up – that’s the one that matters. I just want to get to Ally Pally.»

By his own admission, Rapid can be a «deva» following a defeat but is trying to deal with setbacks in a more positive fashion.

«I don’t look like a bad loser but I am,» he admits. «Me and my manager, we’ve had a few arguments this year, I’ve been a bit of a deva!»

Evans, whose little sister Elisha sadly died earlier this year, adds: «I have struggled with my personal issues. But if you lose, just look forward to the next event. If I lose first up at Ally Pally, there’s always the Masters [in January].

«There’s more life than darts. It’s my job, it’s my career but enjoy yourself because you never know when it’s going to be your last one.»

Evans has been hovering just inside the world’s top 50 but believes he is capable of much more. His main issue, he accepts, is his form at the bread-and-butter floor tournaments, which are the gateway to European Tour and major TV tournaments.

«I’ve got so many more gears,» insists Evans, who begins his Ally Pally campaign against Man Lok Leung on Friday night. «I can hurl 100 averages, I have hit 110s, but I can’t do it all the time, that’s the problem with me. 

“If I can get my head on, there’s a lot more to come. I’m going to win one [a tournament], one day. I’ve said it for 12 years and I’m still boring everyone about it!

“It’s just the consistency on the floor. I go to places like Wigan and Hildesheim [for Players Championship events], and I can’t win the first round. I just can’t do it on the floor. On the stage, I’m a different person. On stage, I used to be [makes raspberry noise] but now I class myself as a stage player. I’ve still got more to give.”

However, after a strong showing at the Grand Slam, where he beat Gerwyn Price and got out of his group, Evans appears to be coming into form at the right time.

«I’m proud of the way I’m dedicating myself a bit more because I play more darts than most,» he says. «I’m doing exhibitions every week, the local leagues, I just love darts. 

«It’s a confidence thing. I wish the season was starting now. But if you’re going to start playing well, now is the time.»