Lisa Ashton has confirmed she will return to compete at PDC Qualifying School next month, following her dramatic deciding-set defeat to Ryan Meikle in the Cazoo World Darts Championship on Saturday.
Four-time Women’s World Champion Ashton was bidding to secure her first victory on the Alexandra Palace stage, and she fought back superbly from 2-0 down to force a fifth and decisive set.
However, the Lancashire veteran was unable to complete the comeback, as Meikle regained his poise to set up a second round showdown against five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld.
“I fought back like I always do. I never give up,” said Ashton, who was competing in her fourth PDC World Championship – a record for a female player.
“I cannot really complain. At 52, I’m happy to still qualify for these major tournaments.
“The last set it just didn’t happen, but Ryan played well and I wish him all the best.”
Ashton has experienced big stage success against male opposition, becoming the first woman to post a ton-plus average on TV in her landmark victory over Aaron Beeney at last year’s UK Open.
Despite this, a victory on the sport’s biggest stage has so far proven elusive for the Bolton-born star, who remains determined to break her duck in the capital over the coming years.
“I’m just going to carry on trying to qualify, and I need to get this win under my belt before I retire,” laughed Ashton, a winner of seven Women’s Series titles in 2022.
“I don’t know how much time I’ve got left. I’m going to play for as long as I can. Hopefully I can get back here and get that win.
“I’m going to do Q School in January. I’m going to play whatever I can and just see what next year brings.”
The 52-year-old will return to darts’ dream factory in January in a bid to return to the professional circuit, after becoming the first woman to claim a Tour Card via Qualifying School in January 2020.
Ashton has been a trailblazer for the women’s game throughout the last decade, and she reaffirmed her credentials by topping this year’s Women’s Series Order of Merit.
However, the recent headlines have been dominated by teenage sensation Beau Greaves, who became the youngest woman to feature at the World Darts Championship on Friday evening.
Greaves was beaten in straight sets by a clinical William O’Connor, but she acquitted herself impressively on debut, and Ashton reserved special praise for the Doncaster darter.
“I’ve played Beau for a long time and it’s great that she has finally come on the circuit and is showing everybody else what she can do,” claimed the Women's World Matchplay semi-finalist.
“She is only 18 – she has got many years to go, but if I can still compete with her at my age, I’m happy.
“I think she played brilliantly [on Friday]. It was her first time on this massive stage, it’s the biggest tournament ever and I think she was fantastic.
“Once she gets settled on this stage, she is going to cause some danger, so hopefully she keeps going and I can be there to watch it.”