Lisa Ashton believes she has made great strides over the last 12 months as she embarks on her second successive appearance at the BoyleSports Grand Slam of Darts.
Ashton, a four-time BDO Women’s Champion, made her Grand Slam of Darts debut in Wolverhampton last November and next week will make her return to the tournament which will be played the Ricoh Arena, Coventry from November 16-24.
Since last year's event, the 50-year-old became the first woman to win a PDC Tour Card in January and, having enjoyed a promising first year on the professional circuit, Ashton feels better placed to make an impression this year.
"It's always a dream come true to play in a the big PDC events, so to play in the Grand Slam back-to-back, I couldn't ask for anything better,” said Ashton.
"I'm not here to make the numbers up. I played well last time but hopefully I can improve my results this time around.
"It's going to be different playing without a crowd for the first time on TV, but I’ve played in quiet atmospheres before in the BDO so hopefully I can draw on my experiences there.
"Playing the top players week-in, week-out has without doubt raised my game.
"The experience of playing on the PDC tour has been brilliant. It's improved me as a player from this time last year.
"Hopefully I can show that improvement with a good run this week."
Ashton made her PDC big stage debut at the 2018/19 World Championship where she came close to defeating Jan Dekker, but missed out on the 2019/20 PDC showpiece.
The Lancashire thrower will return to Alexandra Palace in December, having won the inaugural PDC Women’s Series, which took place in October.
"The level of women's darts is only going one way. We all keep raising our levels and pushing each other on,” Ashton continued.
"Hopefully we can keep pushing it forward and that will encourage more young women to take up the game.
“The Women’s Series was a fantastic concept from the PDC and a real pleasure to be part of.
“Seeing all the women there in such a professional environment gave a glimpse into the future of the women’s game.”
The BoyleSports Grand Slam of Darts will see a 32-player field, comprising PDC event winners and qualifiers along with two BDO players, competing for £550,000 in prize money.
The tournament will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, as well as through the PDC's international broadcast partners including RTL7 and DAZN and for PDCTV Rest of the World Subscribers.
Schedule of Play
Monday November 16
Afternoon Session (1300 GMT)
8x Group matches
Evening Session (1900 GMT)
8x Group matches
Tuesday November 17
Afternoon Session (1300 GMT)
8x Group matches
Evening Session (1900 GMT)
8x Group matches
Wednesday November 18 (1500 GMT)
8x Group matches
Thursday November 19 (1900 GMT)
8x Group matches
Friday November 20 (1900 GMT)
4x Last 16 matches
Saturday November 21 (1900 GMT)
4x Last 16 matches
Sunday November 22
Afternoon Session (1300 GMT)
2x Quarter-Finals
Evening Session (1900 GMT)
2x Quarter-Finals
Monday November 23 (1900 GMT)
2x Semi-Finals
Tuesday November 24 (1800 GMT)
Final