Fallon Sherrock’s route through the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay has increased the pressure on Lisa Ashton’s title defence before the Blackpool return.
The PDC confirmed the eight-player draw this week, with Ashton opening against Rhian O’Sullivan and Sherrock paired with Deta Hedman at the Winter Gardens on Sunday, July 26. The official bracket places two of the sport’s biggest television names on the same side of a compact, unforgiving one-day event.
Sherrock’s Half Carries Real Heat
That matters because Sherrock is not arriving as a nostalgia act. DartsRankings’ Women’s Series Order of Merit, updated after Event 16, has Beau Greaves top on £29,700, Ashton second on £12,550 and Sherrock third on £8,050.
The money list underlines the shape of the draw: Ashton is defending the trophy, but Sherrock is close enough in the rankings to make any repeat of last year’s final feel like a live collision course rather than a promotional hope.
NineDartNews has already examined the wider Women’s World Matchplay prize-money rise, and the financial lift gives this bracket more edge. The winner now has ranking, profile and earning momentum bundled into one afternoon.
Ashton’s opener against O’Sullivan is dangerous because it offers no rhythm-building round. Sherrock’s meeting with Hedman carries similar weight after Hedman drew Sherrock in a headline quarter-final.
Greaves remains the benchmark, but the lower half has its own pull. For Sherrock, Blackpool is a chance to turn another major-stage route into a direct challenge to Ashton’s grip on the title.
