The history-making darts player, Fallon Sherrock, from Milton Keynes will be making her debut at the UK Open today (6/3).
Sherrock is known for making dart history. In December, she shot to fame after becoming the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Championship and is hoping her success will continue at the UK Open.
Today, in the first round, she will be competing against Kyle McKinstry, a former British Darts Organisation (BDO) World Championship quarter-finalist. The 25-year-old super mum from Bletchley has been training thoroughly and is feeling confident. She told the Metro: "I used to see Kyle all the time on the BDO circuit, so I'm familiar with his game. He's a heavy-scorer so it's all about trying to keep up with his scoring, and take it when I get a chance.
"Hopefully with all the experience I've got playing on a stage it will help, I obviously feel comfortable playing up there now, it should keep me calm."
The Ladbrokes UK Open is often called the FA Cup of darts. 160 players compete in the multi-event board over eight different stages before the top 32 players enter the tournament in the fourth round.
Sherrock continued: "For me, in darts, I don't run ahead. I take each leg as it comes never mind each game, but I'm obviously at the UK Open to win it, I'm there to do my best and I'm not just there to make up the numbers, I'm there to do as well as I can and see how far I can go."
This Sunday is International Women's Day, which is a focal point in the movement of women's rights. Sherrock is passionate about women in sport, and is proud of how she is "opening up doors for women in sport". She told the Press Association: “I am really proud of everything that has happened so far. The PDC [Professional Darts Corporation] have given me a great platform, I really appreciate all of it and I am proud of what I have been able to do.
“I don’t know what is going to happen in the future. I would happily support anything to do with women.”
At this weekend's UK Open, there is a hefty prize pot of £450,000 which will be dished out amongst the winners. The victor's prize is £100,000.
Friday's play begins at 11:00 GMT. Find out more about the individual stages by clicking here.
Good luck Fallon Sherrock!
