Ricky Evans has launched a scathing self-assessment after a nightmare week at Players Championship 17 and 18, where he failed to get past the first round in either event. The Kettering darter, known for his self-critical nature, took to social media to vent his frustration, writing: “Thank god this week’s over, couldn’t grip or throw a dart properly… doesn’t help when it’s my job.”
Evans, who had skipped a brace of events for the first time in his career after featuring in 520 consecutive Players Championship events, returned to ProTour action in Leicester. He faced world class opposition in Stephen Bunting and Ross Smith, but could only average 77 in each match. “Two players champs draws against two world class players and I played absolute dog poo basically giving them easy wins… that’s not me,” he added. “Today two Euro qualifiers… a little better but still nothing anywhere near the world class player I know I am.”
The world number 49, a former UK Open semi-finalist, has yet to make a third round appearance on the floor in 2026. He qualified for the Grand Slam of Darts last year, reaching the quarter-final, and gave the crowd plenty to smile about at the PDC World Darts Championship before losing to Charlie Manby in the third round. Despite his floor struggles, Evans’ abilities on the main stage are evident, but he needs to show consistency more often.
Evans now plans to take a few days away from the dart board. “Thankfully a few days off now… no superleague or county as I don’t get asked anymore so darts are staying in the draw until Tuesday… a few days celebrating with the most beautiful person in the world… I can’t wait,” he wrote.
