Ricky Evans thought his dreadful 2026 campaign was slowly dwindling to a sudden halt after missing out on the Players Championship Finals by quite a distance. A day later, he has confirmed his spot back on the big stage with a return to the Grand Slam of Darts on the cards, also boosting his Ally Pally hopes in the process.
The darter from Kettering made it past the first round of Players Championship tournaments just nine occasions from 33 attempts in 2026. A poor return that saw him fail to qualify for Minehead and left him way off pace for the 2027 PDC World Darts Championship. One of the shining lights at the major event around Christmas time, the 36-year-old is at risk of missing out for the first time since 2018 and would be a huge miss for the tournament. However, he has a lifeline.
For the second year running, he qualified for the Grand Slam of Darts, confirming his return to the big stage in Wolverhampton. He reached the quarter-finals last year and is in need of a similar result to boost his Ally Pally effort. Wins over Thomas Lovely (5-3), William O’ Connor (5-4) and Cristo Reyes (5-3) got him that cherished spot, as he said, "Just when you thought, 'Thank god no more Rapid Ricky on your TV screens'. He only goes and plays properly. Stupid game.”
Evans does not need to solely rely on the Grand Slam of Darts. He has another chance at the PDC World Darts Championship qualifier tournament on November 30. He will join the remaining Tour Card holders who are yet to confirm their spot at the biggest tournament in darts for a last-chance saloon.
The Grand Slam of Darts will take place between November 14-22. Luke Littler is the two-time defending champion, with Luke Humphries, Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, Gian van Veen and Michael van Gerwen among the candidates eyeing glory.
