A Evans was really suffering with his kidneys in this match, I believe he had already been diagnosed as terminal. Great player in his day. I didn't like him, but respected his obvious talent and his love of all things Welsh
Back in the day Evans hated Bristow. Absolutely despised him. Bristow really rubbed him up the wrong way. There was sometimes physical altercations between the two. I was told a story, that the day this match took place, Evans was at the bar with a pal, and Bristow started winding him up Evans up. Evans reacted like he used to, threatening to drag Bristow outside and kick the shit out him. Bristow then walked away laughing. When Evans was asked by his pal if he had calmed down, he had a big smile on his face and told his pal I’ve missed him doing that. He might not have liked Bristow, but he respected him. It’s also worth noting that Evans was really ill when he played this match, he had problems with his kidneys and he died 2 years later.
I met Eric 10/15 years ago now,when me and a few friends got chatting to him,one of our questions was..who do you think is the best ever...Alan Evans was his answer...on TV he cant seem to do it,walk into a pub or club and he,d wipe the floor with any player. We had a great evening with Eric and found out what a great guy he is,time for all of us and a great laugh to boot. Alan died in april 1999.A very sad loss.
I knew Alan from the heyday. He liked a drink and ran a club later in Stockport. when he and Leighton Rees were on form in doubles they were untouchable
@copperpotbaby No worries mate, the comments aren't exactly stacked in a good way. Evans's legacy will live on in the game mate, i'm still trying to hit the 'Alan Evans shot' in a match (150 finish on 3 bulls). It's still debated that Evans was the first ever professional darts player, Sid Waddell says he was but he was a great friend of Alans, others disagree but it doesn't really matter tbh, his influence is still felt today.
@krew666666 I think its down to tradition, I live in a medium sized town and there are loads of pubs everywere and a dart board in most of them. Im not saying everyone plays here, far from it but ive been playing for around 4 years now and more young players are getting involved. They start to play with their dads and realise they have a natural tallent, ive seen a 12 year old hit 100's consistantly. We have 6 leagues of teams in only 7 mile radius. Hope this helps.
Legend the Great One and Only Alan 180s Evans. I remember him souring 180s one after another as well as his most famous 150 = 3 bulleyes checkouts. Still remember him today and I still think The Greats= Bristow Wilson Lowe Rees and Taylor will never beat his own records. A Great man should not be Forgotten.
Syd Waddell Dave lanning and Tony Green were great commentators they actually comentated on the game and Syds patter was brilliant not like today’s pundits i turn them off and just watch the darts .
@copperpotbaby No i didn't reply to that person, i replied to the person who said he was still alive and did commentary on sports channels, their comments are now hidden because they've had loads of thumbs down.
@copperpotbaby Why was this a reply to me? I know how good Evans was, i've watched a lot of his games and read quite a bit about him too. My original comment was aimed at someone who said he was still alive.
@hawksrl Yes, he can't release the dart properly anymore. I had the same problem a year ago, and it's very annoying because you have to repractice the basics of your throw and it takes a lot of time to get over it.
180goldenboy Battle of the Champions 1997. Phil Taylor, John Part, Dennis Priestley, Richie Burnett, Alan Evans and Eric Bristow all battled it out. Keith Deller and Bob Anderson I think participated too although I might be wrong here. RIP Alan Evans, gone too soon, the original big name of the game.
