Super-Charged Robert Owen Provides Emotional Victory To Surge Into Last 16

By Gareth James

Rising Welsh star Robert Owen’s stunning victory over Ricky Evans at the World Darts Championship was a rollercoaster of emotions, marked by tears, triumph, and tension.

The 40-year-old from Bridgend overcame a 2-1 deficit to secure a 4-2 win, guaranteeing his PDC Tour card for the upcoming season and leaving the crowd electrified.

Having only competed once before in the tournament, during the 2022/23 edition where he exited in the first round, Owen came into this year’s event as a clear underdog.

Few expected him to be on the stage at Alexandra Palace, with many assuming he’d be watching from home.

But Owen defied the odds in spectacular fashion, showing grit and determination throughout the clash.

A win that saves his tour card… What a moment for Robert Owen pic.twitter.com/I0CGyEBKTw

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 29, 2024

As the match concluded, the magnitude of his achievement hit Owen hard, and he was visibly emotional.

Speaking to with Sky Sports, when asked if this was his greatest triumph, he exclaimed, “The last game was the biggest of my life, but this really was!

“Ricky is a fantastic guy and a great player… Well, can I say it now? Can I say it? Now, I have retained my tour card! Come on!”

During the match, Owen could be heard motivating himself with shouts of “Yma o Hyd”.

Explaining its significance, he said, “I’m here, Yma o Hyd, I’m here. I’m here to do the best for my family and just for everyone.

“I don’t care what anyone else thinks. But I am here to do my best for my family and give us all a nice life. I’ve done well here this week, so I am very happy.”

OWEN INTO THE LAST 16!

What a moment for Robert Owen!

The Welshman reels off three consecutive sets to defeat Ricky Evans and move through to the last 16 for the first time in his career!

https://t.co/pIQvhqYxEj #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/XVlnayc8D5

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 29, 2024

Owen’s victory was part of a big night for Welsh darts, as his match preceded a showdown between compatriots Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton in the tournament’s fourth round.

When asked if he would stay to cheer them on, Owen declared, “Course I am. I’m sticking around to watch the boys.

“So come on, give them all a bit of fair play and give them a big bit of support. Just remember if you’re Welsh, Yma o Hyd!”

The rallying cry sparked good-natured boos from the mostly English audience.

Evans, known as the fastest player in the sport, started strong with his trademark flair, even dancing onto the stage to Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.”

He raced ahead to take a 2-1 lead after three sets. However, Owen clawed his way back into contention, capitalising on missed opportunities from Evans, including two missed darts to claim the fourth set.

Owen nailed a crucial double ten to level the match, then surged ahead by winning the decisive leg in the fifth set to take a 3-2 lead.

From there, Evans faltered, his accuracy slipping as frustration mounted, while Owen remained composed to seal his victory.

The win marked a significant career milestone for Owen, who is now ranked 59th in the world, up from 77th, and is assured of a place on the PDC Tour next year.

Reflecting on the emotional journey, Owen revealed the match carried even greater meaning following the recent loss of his grandfather.

Speaking to Talksport he said: “There was so much pressure on that one game. Mentally, it’s been very hard.

“On December 23, my grandfather passed away. He was like a father to me – that’s why my children and wife were here.

“I used that to my benefit to give me strength to do it and get over the line.”

For Owen, this victory is more than just retaining his tour card—it’s a testament to his resilience, family, and Welsh pride.

His emotional performance will surely be remembered as one of the standout moments of this year’s championship.