Fallon Sherrock, famously nicknamed the “Queen of the Palace” for her historic run at the PDC World Championship, suffered one of the most gut-wrenching defeats of her career at the 2025 Women’s World Matchplay in Blackpool. In a tense and dramatic final against fellow darts legend Lisa Ashton, Sherrock held the match in her grasp—only to see it slip away after missing an astonishing 11 match darts.
The Winter Gardens crowd, buzzing with anticipation, witnessed a clash between two of the most decorated names in women’s darts. Sherrock had looked in control for large stretches of the contest, showcasing her trademark scoring power and unflappable stage presence. Yet, as she closed in on the title, nerves began to creep in. Leading 5–4 in the race to six legs, Sherrock earned multiple opportunities to seal the match. Each dart at double, however, narrowly missed its mark—some agonisingly close, kissing the wire.
Lisa Ashton, a four-time BDO Women’s World Champion, needed no second invitation. Capitalising on Sherrock’s missed chances, Ashton rallied with a cool-headed finish, eventually clinching a 6–5 victory and leaving Sherrock to process a defeat that will sting for some time.
The match wasn’t just about a trophy—it carried extra weight for Sherrock. The 30-year-old star has been a driving force for women’s darts, and this event was one of her final major appearances before she takes a planned year-long break in 2026 to focus on her health. Securing the Women’s World Matchplay title would have been a fitting capstone to her season, but fate had other ideas.
Speaking after the loss, Sherrock was visibly disappointed but gracious in defeat. She praised Ashton’s composure and admitted that the missed doubles would “haunt her for a while.” She also used the moment to reiterate her call for an expanded Women’s World Matchplay format—arguing that more players, longer matches, and increased prize funds would help grow the women’s game and prepare players for the pressures of the biggest stages.
Fans and pundits were quick to rally behind her, acknowledging not only the heartbreak of the loss but also her resilience and contribution to the sport. Social media lit up with messages of support, reminding Sherrock that she remains one of the most influential and inspiring figures in darts today.
While this defeat will undoubtedly linger, Fallon Sherrock’s career has been defined by her ability to bounce back. With the rest of 2025 still to play and her eyes set on making a statement before her break, the Queen of the Palace isn’t stepping away quietly—she’s determined to make her next chapter every bit as memorable as the last.
