Former player and now pundit and commentator, Chris Mason does not understand the criticism from some fans on social media about the participation of Fallon Sherrock in the World Series tournaments.
According to Mason, the 'Queen of the Palace' from a commercial angle makes sense and will lead to further players doing the same.
Sherrock is one of six players who will play in all World Series tournaments this year. Earlier this month, she played in New York and Copenhagen, later on she will participate in Amsterdam and the triple header in Australia and New Zealand. After Sherrock's poor performance at the US Darts Masters and her continued inclusion in tournaments, the criticism only increased, but Mason thinks that is unjustified.
“Let’s not forget how far she went in the Grand Slam [in 2021]. She made the final here [last year]. She’s always going to come under scrutiny, but this is an invitational event. If the PDC wanted me in it… they could put anyone in it," said Mason on the ITV coverage.
“It’s only by people who don’t understand the industry. This is marketing, there’s expertise behind it, it’s why we’ve eventually found a woman who can be a poster girl for the sport.
“And slowly but surely there’ll be more and more because they can see the potential. Becoming a professional female darts player wasn’t an option years ago, now there is an opportunity. To grow the game [for women], you have to have your poster girl.”