Fallon Sherrock will embark on another historic chapter in her career when she makes her debut Down Under in August’s World Series of Darts treble-header.
Sherrock will be among the eight PDC representatives to star in the three Australasia events this month, with the PalmerBet Queensland Darts Masters kicking off the action on August 12-13.
The 27-year-old will also feature in the New South Wales Darts Masters on August 19-20, before this year’s roadshow concludes with the TAB NZ Darts Masters on August 26-27.
Sherrock will be appearing on the big stage for the first time since her success in July’s inaugural Betfred Women’s World Matchplay, where she defeated Aileen de Graaf to scoop the £10,000 winner’s prize.
The Milton Keynes ace also defeated Irish teenager Katie Sheldon and former women’s world number one Lorraine Winstanley to triumph in the first fully-televised women’s event staged by the PDC.
“It is a big thing for me,” said Sherrock, who sealed her spot in November’s Cazoo Grand Slam of Darts courtesy of her Winter Gardens success.
“I never thought we’d have the opportunity to play at the World Matchplay and have a women’s event there, so the fact I can say I’m the first winner on that trophy, that is amazing.
“I think it was really important for the women to get the opportunity to showcase what they can do, and overall, I thought we gave a good account of ourselves.”
Sherrock has been an ever-present in this year’s World Series, suffering early exits in New York and Amsterdam, while reaching the last eight at the Nordic Darts Masters.
However, having produced a stunning run to the final on her World Series debut in Copenhagen 12 months ago, Sherrock knows she’s capable of delivering the goods against the world’s best.
“I haven’t played great in the World Series this year, but I got to the final in Copenhagen last year and performed well at the Grand Slam, so I’ve proved what I can do,” she continued.
“I’m hoping that I can play well consistently, and that would be really good for my confidence going into the next Women’s Series, the Grand Slam and hopefully the Worlds if I qualify for that.
“It would be great to win a few games. If I get to a final again – brilliant. If I won an event, that would be awesome.
“The most important thing for me is to play well though. I know where I went wrong in New York, so that will not be happening in Australia.”
Sherrock spoke candidly last month about the unprecedented scrutiny she’s faced since her Alexandra Palace exploits, although her Women’s World Matchplay success could ease that burden.
“I feel like I’m going into Australia with less pressure on me now,” added the history-making star.
“I have proven that I can win titles when I’m not playing against the men.
“There was always the argument that ‘she can’t win it against the women, she can only win it against the men’, but I’ve proven I can.”
Nevertheless, this year’s World Series line-up promises to be the most competitive since the PDC first visited Australia in 2013.
Newly crowned World Matchplay champion Michael van Gerwen headlines the eight-player PDC field, which also includes reigning World Series of Darts Finals winner Jonny Clayton.
World number one Gerwyn Price and ten-time TV title winner James Wade will also compete alongside Dimitri Van den Bergh, twice a winner on the World Series tour in 2022.
US Darts Masters winner Michael Smith and Masters champion Joe Cullen also feature, with World Cup winners Damon Heta and Simon Whitlock among the eight regional representatives.
“They’re all playing really well,” Sherrock admitted.
“Michael [van Gerwen] coming back from his wrist surgery, he’s done really well.
“Gerwyn [Price] hit the nine-darter at the World Matchplay, you’ve got Simon [Whitlock] playing in it, Joe [Cullen] too. It’s going to be really tough to win, but I’m going to give it my best shot.
“I’m not going to put myself under too much pressure. I’m going to embrace the experience.”
PalmerBet Queensland Darts Masters
PDC Representatives
Gerwyn Price, Michael van Gerwen, Michael Smith, James Wade, Jonny Clayton, Joe Cullen, Dimitri Van den Bergh, Fallon Sherrock
Oceanic Representatives
Damon Heta, Simon Whitlock, Gordon Mathers, Bailey Marsh, Koha Kokiri, Dave Marland, Joe Comito, Haupai Puha
Fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet their favourite PDC stars at Scarlett's at the Steelers Club on Thursday August 18, which will also feature the draw for the PalmerBet New South Wales Darts Masters.
