Ricky Evans delivered a major upset at the PDC World Championship, eliminating seventh seed James Wade in a thrilling second-round encounter at Alexandra Palace. Evans, known for his flamboyant style, secured a dramatic 3-2 victory in sets, winning the final leg 6-4 after both players squandered multiple match darts in a breathless finale. The defeat marks the departure of the highest-ranked player from this year’s tournament so far, sending shockwaves through the competition.
The fast-throwing 35-year-old from Kettering, famous for his festive walk-on music and attire, now faces a unique post-Christmas dilemma regarding his signature entrance. Evans, who walked onto the stage with a Santa-dressed toy, humorously declared his intention to switch from ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ to Madonna’s ‘Like A Prayer’ for his next match, embracing his “box office” persona. He advances to face 20-year-old Englishman Charlie Manby, who secured a straight-sets win over American Adam Sevada.
The dramatic five-set clash saw Evans initially take the lead, aided by a crucial 128 checkout and Wade’s missed double five attempts. Wade, a four-time World Championship semi-finalist, responded powerfully with a stunning 170 ‘Big Fish’ finish to level the match, showcasing his experience and scoring prowess. However, Evans regained control, taking the third set with a decisive 13-dart leg against the throw, setting the stage for a tense conclusion.
The final set proved to be a nail-biting affair, with Evans initially losing composure but then surging ahead with impressive 144 and 89 checkouts. He squandered six match darts, including three at double one, and even received a warning from the referee for an underarm throw during a moment of high tension. Wade then missed his own opportunity at double five when 4-3 up in the final set, before Evans finally composed himself to seal the win with a superb 99 finish, ending a captivating contest.
In another significant upset, Germany’s Gabriel Clemens, a former World Championship semi-finalist, overcame a challenging 2025 season to defeat the 31st seed Wessel Nijman 3-0. Clemens delivered a dominant performance, securing a comfortable victory that sets him up for a formidable third-round clash against the tournament’s second seed, Luke Humphries. This win signals a potential return to form for the experienced German darts player.
Luke Humphries, the second seed, demonstrated his title credentials with a ruthless 3-0 victory over the veteran Paul Lim, aged 71. Humphries delivered a clinical display, winning the first eight legs consecutively, leaving no doubt about his intentions in the competition. Despite his dominant performance, Humphries expressed respect for his opponent, acknowledging Lim as a “legend” and hoping it would not be his final appearance on the world stage.
The inspiring journey of Kenyan debutant David Munyua concluded with a 3-0 defeat to Kevin Doets. Munyua, a full-time veterinarian from Nairobi, had captivated audiences and earned congratulations from Kenya’s President William Ruto after his historic first-round victory over world number 18 Mike de Decker. His participation marked his first time leaving Africa, making his Alexandra Palace appearance a remarkable achievement for African darts.
The crowd, including members of Kenya’s High Commission, passionately supported Munyua, who thrilled them with five maximum 180s during his match against Doets. Despite the partisan atmosphere, Doets maintained his focus, using powerful scoring and consistent finishing to secure his progression. Doets acknowledged the crowd’s support for Munyua, recognizing him as “the people’s champion” and praising his groundbreaking achievement for Kenyan darts.
Elsewhere in the second round, Latvian number one Madars Razma advanced with a 3-1 victory over Scotland’s Darren Beveridge. Gian van Veen also secured his spot in the next round by defeating Alan Soutar 3-1, while Nathan Aspinall delivered a decisive 3-0 win against Leonard Gates, showcasing strong form as the tournament progresses. These results further shaped the draw for the upcoming stages of the prestigious championship.
