Fallon Sherrock is gearing up for her fourth participation in the World Darts Championship. It has been some years since the moment the "Queen of the Palace" caused a huge sensation at the Alexandra Palace.
During the 2020 edition, Sherrock managed to become the first woman ever to record a win at the World Darts Championship. She took victories over Ted Evetts and Mensur Suljovic, before being eliminated at the last 32 by Chris Dobey. In her last two appearances, the 29-year-old Englishwoman lost to Steve Beaton and Ricky Evans, respectively, in the first round. Jermaine Wattimena will be Sherrock's opponent at the start of the upcoming World Darts Championship.
''I'm really excited! Every time I go back to Ally Pally, it's filled with so many good memories," Sherrock tells Live Darts. "I remember the atmosphere being so electric and it's just a great environment to be a part of."
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Sherrock had a tentative start to the Women's Series circuit in 2023, but came into full blossom in the fall. She recorded four tournament victories in a row in September and October. This secured her participation in the Grand Slam of Darts and the World Darts Championship. Sherrock is currently in full training for her Alexandra Palace return, playing in some exhibition tournaments here and there to continue gaining match rhythm.
''Preparation's going well at the moment. I've hit two nine-darters this year, one being televised so I know I'm good in pressure situations. Especially going into the Women's Series, on the last batch I knew what I needed to do. I just need to work on the scoring."
This season an invitation to the World Series tournaments wasn't on offer, unlike, say, 2022, in which Sherrock was allowed to compete in all World Series tournaments. Now she could perform a bit more on the practice board and focus mainly on the Women's Series tournaments.
''I think I've been able to focus a bit more on my darts and it's definitely helped my game a little bit. I think, when I was doing the World Series and stuff like that, I love the opportunities I got and I take them every day but I think I was still kind of mind blown with it all."
Sherrock's rival Beau Greaves has chosen not to compete in the World Darts Championship. 'Beau 'n' Arrow' had qualified, but decided to compete in the Women's World Championship at Lakeside. Greaves had won 12 of the first 19 tournaments at the Women's Series this year before Sherrock began her victory streak. During this victory streak, Sherrock even won three times over her talented compatriot.
''With her winning so many titles, I kind of knew, if I want to start winning titles again I have to raise my game. Because otherwise, I'm not going to win anything. I'm not going to get to the Grand Slam, I'm not going to get to the Worlds, I'm not going to get to where I want to get to. So yeah, if anything, watching her win all the titles kind of got me going."
Whether Sherrock would have liked to see Greaves in action at Alexandra Palace as well? ''Yeah of course I would have done. It would have been brilliant to push the women's game but I completely understand her decision. You know, she wants to be a multiple world champion and while she's got the game, go and do it you know. It's going to help her in the long run and maybe next year, she might go 'this is the year'."