Ricky Evans wants to emulate snooker pal Kyren Wilson and be King of the World.
The darts star and his buddy from the green baize are big mates and Evans will be heading to the Ally Pally to watch Wilson play at The Masters next month once the arrows are finished, and the 34-year-old wants some silverware of his own at the PDC World Championships to complete a double triumph saying: “He’s the same person I’ve met 15 years ago and he’s a credit to his sport.
“I want to be the second world champion. I want us both to be two world champs from Kettering. That’s the goal, obviously I’m a long way away. If I don’t get a message from him [Kyren Wilson], I’ll not be happy with it because I’m coming here in January to watch him in the Masters. I always do. We’re from a little small town in Northamptonshire. We’re both doing very well, but he’s doing a lot better. He’s in Saudi Arabia now, probably trying to win a million pound on the 167!
“He’s brilliant at what he does, and I want to make Kettering as proud as what he’s done because we are proud of him. He’s literally the most genuine, proper champion you’ll ever meet in your life.”
Evans also had a laugh at snooker’s Shaun Murphy for his claims that he has hit a nine darter, suggesting that there’s more chance of Wilson accomplishing the feat despite his below average standard.
He added: “Kyren’s handy with the darts. He knows what he’s doing. He’s never hit a 180, but there’s more chance of him doing it than Shaun Murphy!”
Kettering has plenty of sporting talent and Evans continued: “My mum and dad live on the same street as Sean Dyche. A couple of very good friends play football with Dyche at Ise Lodge, the district where I live. We’ve also got Charley Hull, female golfer. She’s probably the best in Britain at what she does.”