Fallon Sherrock, the darts trailblazer who made history in 2019, recently missed out on a 2026 PDC Tour Card. However, according to Sky Sports Darts’ Laura Turner, this setback is part of a crucial rebuilding phase. Sherrock’s journey has been complicated by significant health challenges, limiting her practice and match sharpness. Intriguingly, the rise of new talents like Beau Greaves might actually benefit Sherrock by lessening the immense pressure and media spotlight, allowing her to focus purely on her game and return to her peak form.
The Brutal Reality of Q-School
Q-School, the qualifying event for a coveted PDC Tour Card, is notoriously difficult and often described as a ‘lottery’. It’s not about rankings; it’s about drawing the right opponents and performing under immense pressure on specific days. Many big names, not just Fallon Sherrock, struggled this year, highlighting the event’s unpredictable nature.
For Sherrock, the 2026 Q-School was particularly unforgiving. She faced tough competition from the outset, including a 6-4 loss to Steve Lennon, a player recently off the tour himself. Subsequent days didn’t go her way, preventing her from securing the card.
However, Sherrock isn’t dwelling on the past. She’s already back on the oche at the Modus Super Series, demonstrating a resilient and positive mindset crucial for any comeback.
The Hidden Battle: Health and Practice
Beyond the darts board, Sherrock has openly discussed her ongoing health struggles, specifically kidney disease. These issues have significantly impacted her ability to practice consistently and play in as many events as she’d like. The intense, consecutive days of tournaments like the Women’s Series and Challenge Tour can be particularly exhausting when not at 100% health.
Lack of consistent practice and match play inevitably affects a player’s sharpness and confidence in crucial moments. When you haven’t played as many games, that timing can be off, making it harder to ‘get across the line’ in tight matches.
The good news is that Sherrock has received positive health updates this year, fueling her determination to increase her practice time and focus on rebuilding her game for 2026.
A Blessing in Disguise? The Shifting Spotlight
Since her historic achievement in 2019 as the first woman to win a match at the World Championship, Fallon Sherrock has carried the immense weight of expectation. She became ‘Fallon the trailblazer,’ constantly in the spotlight and seen as the face of women’s darts.
However, with the rise of new stars like Beau Greaves, who will be on the PDC Tour in 2026, the media attention is beginning to diversify. Laura Turner suggests that this shift could be a huge advantage for Sherrock.
Why less spotlight helps:
- Reduced pressure: Less direct media scrutiny and public expectation can free her to play more naturally.
- More focus on darts: It allows her to dedicate more energy to practice and improving her game, rather than managing constant press and external commitments.
- Rebuilding quietly: She can now work on her game away from the intense public gaze, refining her technique and regaining her confidence.
The Road Ahead: Back to Basics
Turner’s advice for Sherrock is straightforward: get back to the practice board. Specifically, focusing on doubles – a crucial aspect of the game where Sherrock excelled at her peak – will be key. Her scoring ability has always been strong; mastering the finishes will complete her formidable game.
The darts world is optimistic about Sherrock’s future. With improved health and a renewed focus, there’s little doubt she can return to her 2019 form, or even surpass it, continuing to inspire and compete at the highest levels.
Source: Based on an article from Sky Sports – Sports News, Transfers, Scores | Watch Live Sport.
