Sherrock stuns Littler to win Netflix £501,000

FALLON SHERROCK delivered a powerhouse leg to stun Luke Littler and win the £501,000 jackpot in the Netflix extravaganza.

The Queen of the Palace was the 15th challenger in the one-off single-shootout and she showed her big occasion class to take the victory with a second match dart on double 20.

The format of the night was that if any amateur player beat the world No.1, they would earn the mega money.

It is the second-biggest payout in the sport’s history, with the £1million for the world champion representing a higher cheque amounts.

Sherrock won the bull off and controlled the leg, hitting the checkout when it mattered.

This was, perhaps, an even bigger achievement than beating Ted Evetts and Mensur Suljovic during the 2019-20 PDC World Darts Championship.

Sherrock, 32, was the highest-profile player in the amateur field and there was social media criticism that she was selected – given that many thought it would be pub players.

She fought back the tears after she claimed the life-changing money as her young son Rory ran on to the stage to embrace his mum.

Littler had mainly cruised past the previous 14 contestants, though Pearse Mackle, a 21-year-old student from Ireland, had a dart for the Bull to win the prize.

Barry Hearn, president of Matchroom Sport, and Youtuber AngryGinge, a good pal of Littler, presented the cheque on the oche.

Interviewed on stage by ex-England footballer Gary Lineker, Sherrock – who fought back tears – said: “It’s insane. I cannot put into words how much this means.

“The first time Rory had been to anything and he has seen me win.

“Sorry, I am lost for words now. A great moment and I will memorize this forever.

“Give me an opportunity and I will take it every time. I am really proud of myself right now. I rise to the occasion, don’t I?”

Littler said: “Brilliant. That’s what one person had to do, win the bull and then go out in 15. That’s what she did. World class.

“I have enjoyed every bit of it, the advert, photoshoot, everything leading up to this has very good. Maybe Netflix we can do it again next year?”

If Littler felt any nerves then he did not show it, dispensing with the part-timers with ease, often checking out on his favourite double 10.

Until Sherrock came on stage – she won a public vote with German Jarod Becker – it had begun to go a little flat in front of 2,500 fans at Manchester Central.

Netflix’s production was incredibly slick. The glitzy digital backdrop stage looked like an X Factor version of darts.

Littler was typically classy in defeat. He said: “Yeah brilliant. That’s what one person had to do. Win the bull and go out in 15. That’s exactly what Fallon did. I hit a 140 to leave 142.

“When she missed the first going tops, I was like give me a chance. She didn’t and world class.

“I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. The advert, the photo shoots, everything. It’s been good and maybe Netflix we can do it again next year.”