In a thrilling weekend for the PDC Women’s Series, darts stars Lisa Ashton and Fallon Sherrock each claimed a coveted title at Events 17 and 18 in Leicester. With dominant leader Beau Greaves absent, Ashton secured her third win of the season, while Sherrock ended a long wait for a trophy, triumphing over Ashton in a decisive final. These victories significantly tighten the battle for qualification spots at the prestigious 2027 PDC World Darts Championship, proving both players are formidable contenders when the top spot is open.
The Darts World Turns: Ashton and Sherrock Shine
The Mattioli Arena in Leicester witnessed a high-quality day of PDC Women’s Series action as two of the sport’s biggest names, Lisa Ashton and Fallon Sherrock, split the top honours. Their performances on Saturday, across Events 17 and 18, not only added silverware to their collections but also reinforced their positions as the strongest challengers to the reigning dominance of Beau Greaves.
Greaves, who has already amassed an impressive 11 titles this season and holds a commanding lead in the Order of Merit, was absent from these events. This absence created a golden opportunity for the rest of the field, an opportunity Ashton and Sherrock seized with both hands, each securing the £2,500 first prize.
These crucial results have a significant impact on the race for the remaining qualification places for the prestigious 2027 PDC World Darts Championship, keeping both players firmly in contention for the season’s most significant accolades.
Ashton’s Clinical Triumph in Event 17
The day began with a masterful display from Lisa Ashton, who clinched her third Women’s Series title of 2026. Known as “The Lancashire Rose” and a former world number one, Ashton navigated the early rounds with smooth precision. She faced a stern test in the semi-finals against Gemma Hayter, ultimately prevailing in a tense 5-4 victory.
On the other side of the draw, Lauryn Salter delivered one of her best performances of the season, narrowly defeating Jade Gofford 5-4 to reach her first final. However, the final proved to be a one-sided affair. Ashton took control from the very first dart, demonstrating ruthless efficiency to whitewash Salter with a comprehensive 5-0 win. Despite an average just under 68, Ashton’s ability to convert her chances was impeccable.
This victory boosted Ashton’s total on the Order of Merit to £16,050, underscoring her consistent ability to perform at the highest level, particularly when opportunities arise in Greaves’ absence.
Sherrock’s Statement Victory in Event 18
Following Ashton’s success, Fallon Sherrock, “The Queen of the Palace” and the 2022 Women’s World Matchplay champion, delivered the most emphatic performance of the day. Sherrock had reached four finals in 2026 without lifting a trophy, a wait that ended decisively in Event 18.
Sherrock was in formidable form throughout the event. She opened with a dominant whitewash against Aoife McCormack in the quarter-finals, then overcame a resilient Gemma Hayter 5-3 in the semi-finals, showcasing a strong 79.42 average.
The final set up a highly anticipated clash between the two big names: Sherrock against Ashton, who had earlier defeated Karolina Ratajska 5-3. In what many expected to be a nail-biting encounter, Sherrock produced an unusually one-sided contest. She averaged an impressive 81.68 and secured a comprehensive 5-0 victory, her first Women’s Series title since early 2025. This triumph provides a timely and significant boost to both her ranking and confidence.
The Battle for Ally Pally: Order of Merit Update
The absence of Beau Greaves undoubtedly opened the door for other players, and both Ashton and Sherrock capitalized fully. Their wins have significantly tightened the race for the coveted spots at the 2027 PDC World Darts Championship, also known as “Ally Pally” – the Alexandra Palace, where the championship is held.
Other notable performances included Gemma Hayter, who reached the semi-finals of both events and remains a strong contender, currently sitting fourth on the Order of Merit with £8,300. Lauryn Salter celebrated reaching her first final of the year, while Karolina Ratajska also impressed by reaching the Event 18 semi-finals.
Current Standings After 18 Events:
- 1. Beau Greaves: £29,700 (Still the runaway leader despite absence)
- 2. Lisa Ashton: £16,050 (Solidifying her second-place position)
- 3. Fallon Sherrock: £10,850 (Climbing to third with her crucial victory)
The top three players at the end of the season will secure automatic qualification spots for the 2027 PDC World Darts Championship, making every remaining weekend of the Women’s Series absolutely critical.
What’s Next for the Women’s Series?
The Women’s Series remains in Leicester for Events 19 and 20 on Sunday, offering immediate opportunities for players to earn further crucial ranking points. With Beau Greaves expected to return to the fray and the qualification race for Ally Pally intensifying, the coming weeks promise more high-stakes action and thrilling darts.
Saturday’s results confirmed what many in the darts world already knew: when the dominant Beau Greaves is not in the field, Lisa Ashton and Fallon Sherrock remain the most capable and consistent players for claiming titles. Both left Leicester with silverware and renewed belief as the 2026 Women’s Series heads into its exciting final stretch.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
