Winstanley on growth of ladies darts with PDC backing: "We know what we're working towards, it's so much easier"

Lorraine Winstanley has stood out at times during this year's PDC Women's Series pushing Lisa Ashton and Fallon Sherrock at the top of the standings and sealing a title in the process.

Winstanley spoke before the Women's World Matchplay won by Sherrock and discussed the differing factor between her game this year compared to last.

"I felt so deflated after the first weekend last year because I went and I wasn't actually feeling very well. So I set off great and I had a really good run in the first one and it just went downhill from there on in and it was like this is such a chore and I can't do it. Of course you've got to come out all guns blazing, new season here we go and start again," said Winstanley to Online Darts.

A side of the sport mainly entrenched in the amateur side of the game in the WDF and BDO previously, it is good to have some stability instead of chasing points for Winstanley.

"This is what we've been striving for. It's the confirmation knowing it's definitely going to be there. That's all we've ever wanted for years it's been a little bit is this going to go ahead so to know it's set in stone. We know what we're working towards, we know the cut off. It's so much easier to play when you're not worrying what you are trying to qualify for."

Having played the game for a number of years, the former World Master was asked about whether she thought it was ever possible to have events like the Women's World Matchplay.

"I genuinely didn't. I thought we'd just have to plod on and keep doing what we're doing and of course Lisa getting her Tour Card at Q-School was massive. But it can also be very deflating. You've got your Tour Card you think that's it and then it's no week in week out. It's hard work. To play on that level field is difficult. Every one of us can play really well against fellas but to do it to make your living which is what Lisa is doing is hard."