"The women's game is growing and I’m excited to be apart of it" – Gemma Hayter speaks out after a creditable PDC World Darts Championship debut

Gemma Hayter was able to leave the PDC World Darts Championship with her head held high. The English player lost 3-1 in sets to Josh Rock in the first round of the 2026 World Championship, but made a strong impression on her Alexandra Palace debut.

On the sporting side, Hayter could look back on a match in which she refused to be overwhelmed by Rock’s status and scoring power. The Northern Irishman visibly had to work for his win and even admitted afterwards that he had underestimated his opponent. For Hayter, the tie was a first taste of the World Championship stage at Alexandra Palace, an experience she described as intense but above all valuable.

After her elimination, Hayter admitted she hesitated to speak out publicly again. The attention that comes with a Worlds appearance also brings criticism. “I was a bit apprehensive about coming back on here after my game,” she shared on her socials. “But I’m so glad I did. I've had some lovely messages, and they have far outweighed the negative.”

Hayter is aware of her sporting status and did not try to dress it up. “I know I’m not one of the top 128 players in the world,” she stated matter-of-factly. “But the Worlds is all about promoting this wonderful sport to people and places where it doesn't normally reach.”

The core of Hayter’s message centered on her involvement in women’s darts. She stressed how vital visibility is, particularly on a stage with the global reach of the Worlds. “I’m so passionate about the ladies game,” she said. “If any of the ladies performances has inspired other women or girls to take the sport up, then that's something I’ll be incredibly proud of.”

According to Hayter, women’s darts is clearly in a development phase. “The women's game is growing and I’m excited to be apart of it,” she noted. That growth was evident at this Worlds, with multiple female players stepping onto the big stage and putting in competitive displays.