Ricky Evans had a tougher time getting the lid off his water bottle than beating Simon Adams at Ally Pally.
‘Rapid’ swept to an easy 3-0 victory over the South African debutant, 54, at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship to set up a second round clash with World Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall.
Evans, 33, got off to a scrappy start but still managed to take the first set. At that first break, the fastest thrower in the sport wanted to wet his whistle.
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There was just one problem: He couldn’t get the lid off his bottle. Looking frustrated, Evans pondered asking an official to help, but pride soon kicked in and he eventually managed to wrench the top off and take a swig. He went on to take the following two sets with ease.
Evans had earlier delighted fans with his customary festive-themed walk-on. Having donned a Santa beard and hat last year, he went for Santa specs this year while wearing his own personalised festive shirt. His walk-on track was Shakin’ Stevens’ Merry Christmas Everyone.
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Speaking after the game, Evans admitted he felt relieved to get through. He said: “I didn’t really know what to expect up there. I got through the back door [to qualify] through the Pro Tour and I didn’t know who I was playing. I only met Simon for the first time a couple of hours before the match. He’s a lovely man, he feels like one of the family.”
On his second round walk-on, which will be the final match before Christmas, Evans has teased a more elaborate stunt, depending on what his manager comes up with.
“My silly manager will probably think of something in the next round because I’m the last game before Christmas,” he added.
“I’ll probably walk-on as Buddy from Elf or Macaulay Culkin [from Home Alone], you never know with him. As long as my darts are flying, I’m happy. I’d walk on with anything as long as I’m feeling good.”
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