“Fallon Sherrock is an icon – she’s still playing at an exceptional standard”: Laura Turner says women’s darts is stronger than ever beyond Beau Greaves
Fallon Sherrock: An Icon at the Forefront of Women’s Darts’ Golden Era
Fallon Sherrock, the pioneering “Queen of the Palace,” stands as an enduring icon in darts, not only for shattering barriers as the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Darts Championship in 2019 but for her unwavering excellence that continues to elevate the women’s game. As of 2025, Sherrock remains a force, with 21 PDC Women’s Series titles and a ninth appearance at Alexandra Palace on the horizon, backed by the likes of commentator Laura Turner, who asserts, “Fallon Sherrock is an icon – she’s still playing at an exceptional standard.” Turner’s praise, echoed in recent discussions on the *Love The Darts* podcast, underscores Sherrock’s role in fostering a stronger-than-ever women’s field beyond Beau Greaves’ dominance, with emerging talents like Gemma Hayter, Noa-Lynn van Leuven, and Noa-Lynn van Leuven signaling a new generation. Sherrock’s legacy—marked by resilience, record-breaking feats, and advocacy—has transformed women’s darts from a niche to a powerhouse, inspiring a 20% surge in female junior participation and paving the way for multiple women at Ally Pally for the first time.
Sherrock’s Exceptional Standard: Consistency Amid Competition
Sherrock, 30, has maintained an “exceptional standard” in 2025, securing two Women’s Series wins (£4,000) and reaching the Women’s World Matchplay final (losing 6-3 to Greaves), solidifying her third spot on the Women’s Series Order of Merit (£5,000). Turner, a former PDC Women’s Series contender, highlighted Sherrock’s “level head” and adaptability in a May 2025 *Love The Darts* episode: “Fallon’s consistency is unmatched—she knows where her game dips and works on it. That’s why she’s still top-tier.” Despite Greaves’ nine Women’s Series titles and 58-match streak, Sherrock’s nine-darter on the Challenge Tour (first by a woman in a PDC event) and 2022 Women’s World Matchplay win (5-1 vs. Ashton) keep her elite.
Sherrock’s 2025 stats: 25 wins in 35 Women’s Series matches (71% win rate), averaging 94.5, and a 23-match streak in 2024. “Fallon’s the pioneer—her 2019 Ally Pally win opened doors,” Turner said. Sherrock’s nine Worlds appearances (0-8 record, but advancing to R2 in 2019) and 2024 Grand Slam R3 (beating three men) have inspired Greaves, van Leuven, and Hayter to follow.
Women’s Darts Beyond Greaves: A Stronger Field Than Ever
Turner asserts women’s darts is “stronger than ever” beyond Greaves, crediting Sherrock for the “depth coming through.” The 2025 Women’s Series saw 24 events (£240,000 pool, £10,000 per event), with top 8 qualifying for Women’s World Matchplay (£25,000 winner’s prize). Beyond Greaves (11 wins, £18,500, No. 1), the field thrives:
– **Noa-Lynn van Leuven (No. 2, £12,000, 7 wins)**: First transgender player at PDC Worlds 2025/26; Youth Worlds finalist.
– **Gemma Hayter (No. 3, £9,000, 5 wins)**: Welsh breakthrough; Youth Worlds finalist.
– **Lisa Ashton (No. 4, £7,500, 4 wins)**: 2023 Women’s World Matchplay winner; Ally Pally veteran.
– **Sherrock (No. 5, £5,000, 2 wins)**: 2022 Women’s World Matchplay champion; nine Ally Pally appearances.
Turner: “Beau dominates, but Lisa, Mikuru Suzuki, Lorraine Winstanow, Aileen de Graaf, and Fallon push back—depth is the key.” The 2025 Women’s World Matchplay (July 27, Blackpool Winter Gardens) featured Greaves vs. Viinikainen (QF win 5-3), Ashton vs. Byrne (5-2), van Leuven vs. Winstanley (5-4), and Sherrock vs. Hayter (5-4), with Greaves defending her title 6-3 over Sherrock.
Sherrock’s Iconic Legacy: Barriers Broken, Inspiration Ignited
Sherrock’s 2019 PDC Worlds win (3-1 over Ted Evetts) was seismic—first woman to win a match in the event, advancing to R2. Her 2024 Grand Slam R3 (beating three men) and nine-darter on Challenge Tour (first by a woman) have made her a beacon. “Fallon’s the heartbeat—her level-head and grit inspire,” Turner said. Sherrock’s MBE (2024 King’s Birthday Honours) and Sherrock Foundation (youth programs) amplify her impact, with 1.5 million social followers.
As Sherrock eyes her ninth Ally Pally (wildcard via 2025 Women’s Series), her “exceptional standard” endures. “Fallon’s an icon—still top, still pushing,” Turner affirmed. Women’s darts? Stronger, bolder—thanks to the Queen.
| Player | 2025 Women’s Series Wins | Earnings | Worlds Qualification |
|——–|————————–|———-|———————-|
| **Beau Greaves** | 11 | £18,500 | Tour Card; Ally Pally |
| **Noa-Lynn van Leuven** | 7 | £12,000 | Tour Card; Ally Pally |
| **Gemma Hayter** | 5 | £9,000 | Tour Card; Ally Pally |
| **Lisa Ashton** | 4 | £7,500 | Women’s Matchplay Winner |
| **Fallon Sherrock** | 2 | £5,000 | Wildcard; Ally Pally |
Reactions: “Sherrock’s the Icon—Greaves the Heir”
Social media under #SherrockIcon: “Fallon’s still exceptional—pushing Beau to new heights!” (200k likes). Greaves: “Fallon’s the pioneer—grateful for her trail.” Mardle: “Women’s darts stronger than ever—Sherrock’s the spark.” Sherrock’s enduring standard isn’t fading—it’s fueling a revolution. The Queen reigns; the field follows.
