SHERROCK DEMANDS MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN

FALLON SHERROCK believes opportunities for women in darts should be increased with pub players ahead of them in the UK Open pecking order. 

Former Grand Slam quarter-finalist Sherrock made history on debut at the 2020 World Championships by reaching the third round after her landmark win over Ted Evetts. 

‘The Queen of the Palace’ helped massively to forge scenarios such as today’s eight-player Betfred Women’s World Matchplay. 

But Sherrock wants to see more chances afforded to the ladies with the UK Open a particular bugbear. 

She said: “I actually prefer playing the men to the women. I just feel there’s less pressure on me because I just feel like people expect me to do more than what I do. 

“You could probably give some women some UK Open spots. That’s what I think.   

“You’re always looking for spaces and you’re giving it to people who go to their local pubs and play and stuff. Give some to the women. I mean, just two spaces or something.” 

“I mean, obviously there’s only eight [in Women’s Matchplay] at the moment. I’d love to see more because there are other women that could put on a good performance and stuff.  

“And there’s women just underneath that have just missed out who are like quality players. Just expand it a little bit, so we’re not just playing like one afternoon. 

“Maybe put it in with the men. In between. Give us some opportunity just to showboat ourselves because, unless you know it’s on a Sunday, people don’t know about it. 

“I also think because all the other women are playing better now and getting more exposure, it’s opening us more opportunities to get the spots as well. So I don’t feel it’s just me.” 

Milton Keynes thrower Sherrock will take a break from the game next year for health issues, but feels good for Blackpool.  

Sherrock won the major in 2022 by beating Katie Sheldon, Lorrain Winstanley, then Aileen de Graaf in the final. 

She added: “That’s obviously a difficult decision for me anyway, but at the moment, I’m doing okay. So I’m going to be playing longer than I anticipated like now. 

“It’s just touch and go as to when I’m going to need time out. But at the moment, I’m doing okay to kind of just keep playing. I’ve been eating better and stuff like that.  

“I’m very happy because, I mean, I could have just given up and just gone downhill completely. I’m happy that I’ve just kept going and kept positive and just keep looking to the future.  

“I’ve set myself goals and they’re the ones that I want to achieve rather than just giving up. 

“I feel great. I’m excited. I’m not tired. It’s not like I’m choosing it. It [break] will happen. I can’t stop it happening as much as I want it to, but I’ve just got to keep positive, keep playing, just keep living in the moment, just not thinking of anything negative.”

Images by Taylor Lanning.