De Graaf reveals COVID confidence knock ahead of Women's World Matchplay: "I couldn't practice because I was very ill"

Aileen de Graaf heads into this afternoon's Women's World Matchplay as one of the favourites to seal the title as she faces Laura Turner first up.

But for the Dutchwoman who performed so well during the last Women's Series, she revealed that she recently had COVID-19 so isn't sure where her game is at pre-tournament.

"I was really confident. Last week I had COVID-19, I couldn't practice because I was very ill so we will see. I hope the form is still there but you never know," said De Graaf to Online Darts.

Speaking on the Women's Series, De Graaf is seeing improvements in her game through playing in the PDC tournaments.

"It's nice to play all the PDC tournaments. It's a lot of playing in one weekend, I really like that. That's why I can see my level going up in one weekend. The first day I'm always a little bit off and the second day I'm better. It's nice to see that there are a lot of tournaments."

Read also

Preview and schedule inaugural PDC Women's World Matchplay including Sherrock, Ashton, Winstanley and De Graaf

She didn't play in the Women's Series over the past year due to COVID restrictions so is making up for lost time, she discussed the frustration on that.

"It was really frustrating. You want to play. You know you can beat some ladies and you just want to work. Darts was my work so I didn't have any income. It was really frustrating. I work now as a nurse and play darts."

Going into the tournament, Lisa Ashton and Fallon Sherrock are the favourites but for De Graaf, she believes she can cause an upset.

"I know I can win against both. Lisa it was a long time ago I think that I've beat her. Fallon I've won against her in the Women's Series. I like her speed (Ashton) but she also likes it so that's unlucky for me but it's always a cracking game."

Read also

TV Guide Sky Sports Darts during 2022 World Matchplay and Women's World Matchplay