Darts
2024 UK Open: Ricky Evans Reaches His First-ever PDC Major Semi-Final
In the 2024 Ladbrokes UK Open quarterfinals, Rapid Ricky Evans faced off against Rob Cross in a gripping encounter at Butlin’s Mainstage. Despite initial struggles, Evans surged ahead with lightning-fast finishes, ultimately clinching victory and securing his first-ever PDC major semi-final appearance.
Speed Demon vs. Steadfast Champion
In the second quarterfinal showdown of the 2024 Ladbrokes UK Open, Butlin’s Mainstage witnessed a clash of contrasting personalities. The lively and energetic Rapid Ricky Evans faced off against the more reserved former World Champion, Rob Cross.
Evans, known for his fast-paced playing style, last reached a televised PDC quarterfinal in 2019 during the European Championships. Coincidentally, it was Rob Cross who emerged victorious against him on that occasion, setting the stage for an intriguing rematch.
Underwhelming Start to the Showdown
In contrast to the electrifying performance by Luke Humphries, the early stages of this match failed to reach the same breath-taking standard. Cross secured the first leg, but both players struggled with their doubles, allowing Evans to snatch the second leg with a disappointing 24-dart break of throw.
However, Evans swiftly raised the tempo, living up to his reputation as the fastest player in the world. With lightning speed, he checked out 74 in just two darts, enroute to securing a narrow 3-2 lead going into the first mid-match interval. Despite Evans' rapid throwing pace, both players were likely hoping to find their rhythm as they maintained averages below 83 at this stage of the match.
Image credit: PDC
A Battle of Frustration
The level of play remained stagnant over the next few legs, with both players exchanging holds of throw. A notable moment came in the seventh leg when Cross missed six darts at double 10, a potential turning point in the match.
With the score line deadlocked at four legs each, both players continued to struggle on their doubles, resulting in the same dismal checkout percentage of 22.2%. This was significantly lower than their tournament averages, raising questions about whether the pressure of the mainstage was affecting their performances.
As frustration mounted, both players left the stage angrily at the second mid-match interval. The disappointing quarter-final clash stood tied at 5-5, leaving much to be desired in terms of excitement and quality of play.
First-ever Major Semi for Evans
Rapid Ricky Evans then surged ahead, securing a crucial two-leg lead with a significant 109 three-dart finish, followed by an emphatic 11-dart leg to establish an 8-5 advantage. This moment marked a pivotal shift in the match.
Cross briefly interrupted Evans' momentum by claiming the next two legs in rapid succession, narrowing the gap to 8-7. However, despite Cross's efforts, he faltered at crucial moments, missing six pivotal darts at a double to level the score. Evans capitalised on the opportunity, clinching the sixteenth leg, and edging closer to his first-ever PDC major semi-final.
Despite Evans missing seven match darts in the final leg, he ultimately secured victory, advancing to the semi-finals alongside Luke Humphries. Both players struggled to find any rhythm throughout the match, reflected in Evans' winning average of a mere 85.68.
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