Fallon Sherrock has made history more than once in the world of darts, becoming the first woman to ever win a match at the PDC World Darts Championship and later gaining global recognition for her stunning performances on the big stage. But as much as she’s gained a reputation for her on-the-oched prowess, the path to some of darts’ biggest events isn’t always straightforward—even for Sherrock. Despite her impressive career and well-deserved qualifications, she has found herself in an unexpected situation this season: she’s qualified for the World Darts Championship, but she’s missed out on a spot for the Grand Slam of Darts. How does this happen? Let’s dive in.
The World Darts Championship: A Dream Realized
To understand why Sherrock’s name has been etched in the history books, we need to look at her journey to the World Darts Championship. In 2020, Sherrock made her unforgettable mark by becoming the first woman to win a match in the PDC World Darts Championship. She knocked out Ted Evetts in the first round, and although she didn’t go all the way, her performance had the darts world buzzing.
Fast forward to today, and Sherrock’s consistent excellence has earned her a place at the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship. Her qualification this year was through the Women’s Series, where she secured enough points to be among the top players. The format of the Women’s Series has been crucial for giving female players the chance to compete at the same level as the men, and Sherrock’s success has been a testament to her enduring talent and determination.
Sherrock’s consistency in the Women’s Series tournaments, where she regularly competed against some of the best female darts players, allowed her to rack up enough points to secure her qualification. This isn’t just about a lucky win or two—this is the result of sustained skill, focus, and a mental toughness that has seen her rise above the competition.
For her, qualifying for the World Championship isn’t just about the event itself—it’s about proving she belongs on the biggest stages in darts, competing against the best players in the world. It’s clear that Sherrock has the talent to make an impact, and her inclusion in this prestigious event is a reward for the hard work she’s put in over the years.
The Grand Slam of Darts: Why Didn’t She Qualify?
So why, then, is Sherrock missing out on a spot at the Grand Slam of Darts? To understand this, we need to take a closer look at how players qualify for this particular tournament.
The Grand Slam of Darts is an invitational event that features 32 players, including the top PDC players, as well as representatives from the BDO (British Darts Organization). While Sherrock’s World Championship qualification places her among the best in the world, the Grand Slam of Darts uses a different qualification system that doesn’t automatically include her.
Sherrock did not qualify through the normal PDC ranking system or the Women’s Series for the Grand Slam. While she’s shown she has the skill and mentality to compete at the highest level, the Grand Slam of Darts also considers a player’s performance across various other tournaments and rankings—not just one or two standout events.
The PDC rankings are based on consistent performance across a range of competitions, including Pro Tour events, European Tour events, and major televised tournaments. Sherrock’s focus on the Women’s Series, while impressive, didn’t provide enough ranking points in the broader PDC circuit to secure her a spot at the Grand Slam this year.
It’s also worth noting that the Grand Slam of Darts has some tough competition for places. The field includes not only the best male players but also the top female players who have excelled in both the Women’s Series and other PDC events. While Sherrock’s remarkable success at the World Championship and her general rise in the sport have earned her respect, it’s the accumulated points across the full spectrum of competitions that are needed to land a Grand Slam spot.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Sherrock
Missing out on the Grand Slam of Darts doesn’t take away from Sherrock’s undeniable skill and influence on the sport. In fact, it should motivate her to continue pushing for excellence across all competitions. With her qualification for the World Championship, she has another opportunity to make history. Every match, every tournament, is another chance for Sherrock to prove her doubters wrong and show the world that she has what it takes to compete at the very top.
Sherrock has already demonstrated that she’s more than capable of competing with the best. Her achievements, including her historic victories and her consistent performances, have placed her among the most exciting players in darts today.
As the 2024 season progresses, there’s no doubt that Sherrock will continue to evolve and refine her game. The Grand Slam may have eluded her this time, but with her determination and continued growth, it’s only a matter of time before she earns her place in even more prestigious tournaments.
In the world of darts, the journey is just as important as the destination, and Sherrock’s journey is far from over. Whether she’s qualifying for future World Championships or making a return to the Grand Slam, one thing is certain—Fallon Sherrock is a force to be reckoned with, and her best is yet to come.