Ashton on not receiving 2018 Grand Slam invite ahead of debut in Wolverhampton: 'It was a massive disappointment'

Ashton spoke ahead of the tournament to LiveDarts and said that she is happy there are two ladies involved this year; as well as that she is going to take her experience from the World Championship into proceedings at the Aldersley Leisure Village.

'The Lancashire Rose' did speak about her group though; she said that Chisnall in particular will be tough due to their friendship and the fact they are in the same management stable.

'I knew hopefully one lady was; so I presumed Mikuru was and when I was selected as well, I was happy for Ladies darts there's two of us,' said Ashton to LiveDarts.

'I was sitting there like Group of Death; then Chizzy's name came out and I thought oh no that's the worst draw; best mate and both in the same management.'

'I am going to take it like I did with the experience of the PDC World Championship and I know what the crowd is, so hopefully I can take it from that event to this one.'

'Hopefully we can improve our levels higher and they can bring some more ladies over.'

On not receiving a pick last year, Ashton added that it was disappointing as she thought she had a chance of being considered: 'It was a massive disappointment, I thought I had a chance of being considered; so I was really disappointed yeah. I got one this time though; so hopefully I do us proud.'