Ricky Evans Defeats James Wade 3-2 in PDC Worlds

Ricky Evans overcame seventh seed James Wade in a dramatic five-set battle to advance to the third round of the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace in London on December 22.

The 35-year-old from Kettering, ranked 43rd in the world, secured a 3-2 victory after missing seven match darts, capping the match with a 99 checkout in the final leg. Wade, a four-time World Championship semifinalist and recent UK Open runner-up, became the highest-seeded player eliminated so far this year. The win earns Evans 35,000 in prize money and sets up a post-Christmas return to the tournament, where he will face either Charlie Manby or Adam Sevada in the last 32.

Evans started strongly, claiming the first set 3-0 with a 128 finish in the second leg and capitalizing on Wade's missed double five to close it 3-1 overall. Wade responded in the second set, breaking Evans early and sealing it with a 170 checkout and a 98 average. The third set proved tense, with Wade opening via a 107 checkout, but Evans edged it 3-2, including a 13-dart hold against the throw.

Wade leveled the match by winning the fourth set in straight legs as Evans faltered. The decisive fifth set saw Evans take an early...