PDC World Darts Championship 2025: Kettering’s Ricky Evans Aims to Match Snooker Champion Kyren Wilson's Glory

Kettering native and darts sensation Ricky “Rapid” Evans has made a strong start to his 2025 World Darts Championship campaign with a first-round victory over Australia’s Gordon Mathers. 

But it wasn’t just his performance on the oche that captured attention, Evans used the post-match interview to shine a spotlight on his hometown and its surprising roster of sporting stars.

Connection with Snooker World Champ Kyren Wilson

Evans revealed a special connection with snooker’s current world champion, Kyren Wilson, who also hails from Kettering. The two first met at a local sports bar owned by a mutual friend, where both athletes honed their respective skills.

“We’re from a little small town in Northamptonshire. We’re both doing very well, but he’s doing a lot better,” Evans joked. “He’s in Saudi Arabia now, probably trying to win a million pound on the 167.”

When asked if Wilson had sent him a congratulatory message following his win, Evans responded with characteristic humour and a playful hint of expectation.

“But I hope I get a message. If I don’t get a message from him, I probably will. I’ll not be happy with it. Because I’m coming here [Alexandra Palace] in January to watch him in the Masters. I always do. Every January.”

Two World Champions from Kettering? 

Evans went on to speak about his admiration for Wilson and his own ambitions to follow in the snooker star’s footsteps by becoming Kettering’s second world champion.

“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.”

“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.”

Sean Dyche to Charley Hull

Kettering may be a small town, but Evans was quick to highlight its impressive sporting pedigree. Alongside Wilson, Evans’ family shares a connection with current Everton manager Sean Dyche, while British golfer Charley Hull also calls the town home.

“My mum and dad live on the same street as Dychey,” Evans said. “A couple of friends that have come with me today, very good friends, they play football with Dyche at Ise Lodge, the district where I live.”

He continued, “We’ve also got Charley Hull, female golfer. She’s probably the best in Britain at what she does.”

Evans couldn’t resist adding a self-deprecating twist to the list of Kettering’s luminaries.

“And then there’s some weirdo darts player that’s probably more famous than them all.”

The 147 vs Nine-Darter Debate

Wrapping up the interview, Evans touched on the light-hearted debate between snooker and darts over the relative difficulty of a 147 break versus a nine-darter. He also had a playful jab at snooker pro Shaun Murphy, who has claimed to have achieved both feats.

“Kyren’s handy with the darts; he knows what he’s doing,” Evans said. “He’s never hit a 180, but there’s more chance of him doing it than Shaun Murphy.”

While Evans may not yet hold the title of world champion, his humour, talent, and pride in his hometown have already made him a Kettering hero. 

With his sights set firmly on darting glory, perhaps he and Wilson will one day stand side by side as two world champions from this small Northamptonshire town.