Fallon Sherrock has vowed to ‘come back stronger’ following her opening round defeat to Ricky Evans at the Cazoo World Darts Championship on Tuesday.
Sherrock was beaten 3-1 by former World Youth Championship runner-up Evans in an entertaining affair at Alexandra Palace, although the scoreline didn’t tell the whole story.
The Milton Keynes ace made a confident start to secure the opening set, before surrendering an early lead in set two, as Evans – aided by a 122 finish on the bull – hit back to level.
Sherrock then missed darts to win each of the last two sets, and Evans capitalised to move through to a second round tussle against Masters champion Joe Cullen on Friday.
Women’s World Matchplay winner Sherrock made history on the sport's biggest stage three years ago, becoming the first woman to triumph at the PDC World Championship.
The 28-year-old defeated Ted Evetts and Mensur Suljovic to generate global headlines, and although she was unable to replicate those heroics on Tuesday, she was philosophical about the outcome.
“I think it was a stronger performance than what I have produced all year, so I cannot really moan about it,” said Sherrock post-match.
“Obviously I am disappointed not to win, but at the end of the day, it’s stuff that I can take back and use as a learning curve.
“If I get there and qualify for next year, I know what to work on.”
Sherrock – making her third PDC World Championship appearance – received a terrific ovation from the Alexandra Palace crowd, and she gave them plenty to cheer in the early exchanges.
However, Evans, who made his entrance to Shakin’ Stevens’ ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ while donning a Santa hat and beard, recovered to close out a hard-fought victory.
Evans was full of praise for the ‘amazing’ Sherrock post-match, and she also hailed the quick-fire Kettering star for making it a memorable occasion.
“Every year I am back it’s always enjoyable, every year I have played at a decent level,” added Sherrock, a quarter-finalist at last year's Grand Slam of Darts.
“I played youth darts against Ricky’s county team but I never actually had the opportunity to play him before, but I enjoyed the game regardless [of the result].
“The walk-on from Ricky was funny, seeing him come on as Santa.
“Ricky will always have a fun attitude for a game, it made the situation very fun to play in.
“I am disappointed with the loss, but I will come back stronger.”
By her own admission, Sherrock hasn’t been at her brilliant best over the last 12 months, but she did lift the inaugural Betfred Women’s World Matchplay title in July.
Sherrock defeated Aileen de Graaf to prevail in the landmark Winter Gardens event, and she also registered wins on the World Series circuit in Copenhagen and Wollongong to continue her big stage progress.
“Hopefully in years to come, this experience will help me in the long run,” continued Sherrock, a winner of three Women’s Series titles in 2022.
“There are some tweaks that I need to work on in my game, but hopefully all these experiences will help me become a better player.
“I will be going to Q School in January. There will definitely be more practice and I will make myself available for the opportunities us women can get.
“If I can get the opportunities and progress that way [winning a Tour Card], that is my plan for 2023.”