Darts star fights back tears after being booed by Ally Pally crowd for comment in Sky Sports interview

Darts star Robert Owen was left emotional during his post-match interview after reaching round four of the World Championship.

The Welshman defeated 'Rapid' Ricky Evans 4-2 at Alexandra Palace for his third victory of the Championship.

He beat Niels Zonneveld in round one before producing a surprise win over world number 10 Gabriel Clemens in the second round.

Owen then averaged over 92 and hit seven 180s in his victory over Evans to book his spot in round four, where he will take on Callan Rydz - statistically the best player in the tournament so far with an average of 105.

Owen entered the tournament knowing that he likely needed two wins to secure a spot in the top 64 and keep his tour card for next season.

He was on the cusp of doing so by beating Clemens, but Jeffrey De Graaf's progress meant he had to face another must-win match against Evans on Sunday.

In his post-match interview following that victory, Owen was interrupted by boos from the Ally Pally crowd, before the Welshman shouted: "I will keep my tour card now!"

Owen began his media conference by dedicating his win to his grandfather, whom he revealed passed away shortly before Christmas.

He added: "It's [keeping the tour card] massive for me, massive for my family. I've scrapped for the past two years. Last year wasn't the best, but I think this year has been pretty good.

"It's one of them things where I've done my family and myself proud. And I'm still here.

🗣️ "There's no pressure now. Let's just play darts!"

Robert Owen reflects on career-defining victory over Ricky Evans, which confirms his place in the last 16 and preserves his PDC Tour Card! #WCDarts pic.twitter.com/ZHsT5C5HIh

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 29, 2024

"Big relief for me. Massive. Ninety-seven point five per cent chance [of retaining it at the tournament], and the results went against me. That was added pressure, but I tried to keep that out of my mind. I took my chances, and I'm just so relieved now.

"Next year, I'm defending hardly any money, maybe £19,000. I'm in the third round of the UK Open straight away. I'm very confident in retaining and maybe going up a few ranks."