Fallon Sherrock Advocates for Expanded Women’s World Matchplay

Fallon Sherrock has called for an expanded Women’s World Matchplay tournament after her recent defeat in the final at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Competing against Lisa Ashton, who secured her first title in a thrilling match, Sherrock emphasized the need for more participants and a longer format to elevate the event’s profile. The tournament, which featured eight players competing for a share of the £25,000 prize fund, showcases the growing talent in women’s darts.

Ashton triumphed with a score of 6-5 in a tightly contested final, overcoming a significant challenge as Sherrock had the opportunity to capitalize on 11 missed match darts. The victory not only earned Ashton a top prize of £10,000 but also secured her qualification for the upcoming Grand Slam of Darts scheduled for November 2026 and the World Darts Championship.

Calls for Change in Women’s Darts

Sherrock, who first won the tournament in 2022, expressed her belief that the current format limits opportunities for emerging talent. “There’s only eight women at the moment, and I’d love to see more women,” she stated. She pointed out that many capable players could enhance the tournament’s competitiveness. “There’s women just underneath that just missed out who are quality players. Just expand it a little bit so we’re not just playing like one afternoon,” she added.

Critics of the current structure have noted that the match format, which requires players to win best-of-seven races in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, does not allow for adequate showcase of skills. Sherrock remarked, “I hate playing best of seven. As you’ve seen from my past games, I’m better off on a longer format.” This sentiment resonates with many players who believe that longer matches can provide a better platform for demonstrating their abilities.

Lorraine Winstanley, another prominent figure in women’s darts, believes the Women’s World Matchplay has surpassed the Lakeside tournament in terms of prestige. “For exposure and prestige, this has taken over. I’d say this is now the premier women’s event,” she noted, highlighting its importance in promoting women’s darts on a larger stage. Winstanley also suggested an expansion of the tournament to include more players, stating, “There’s definitely room to increase the field here to 16.”

Future Prospects and Growing Talent

The tournament has seen the emergence of new talent, with two debutants, Kirsi Viinikainen and Gemma Hayter, making their mark this year. Sky Sports commentator Laura Turner remarked on the increasing standard of play, noting the variety of quality female darters advancing to the latter stages of events. This trend signifies a positive shift in the sport, as it continues to attract and nurture new talent.

Ashton’s victory path included wins over Robyn Byrne and the reigning champion, Beau Greaves, before facing Sherrock in the final. Reflecting on her win, Ashton shared her gratitude: “I’m so, so happy. I have to say a huge thank you to the crowd who supported me and got me through that today.” She described her performance as a culmination of perseverance, expressing joy in finally achieving the title.

Sherrock, who has reached the final in three out of her four appearances at the Winter Gardens, expressed pride in her performance. “I think I’ve played better here than I have in the last few months, so whatever I’m doing is working,” she commented. The camaraderie and competition between her and Ashton highlight the positive dynamic in women’s darts, with both players pushing each other to excel.

As the Women’s World Matchplay continues to capture the attention of darts enthusiasts, the calls for expansion and increased recognition become more pronounced. The future may hold exciting developments as more players seek to compete on this prominent stage.