Fallon Sherrock is hoping to create another slice of history in this year’s Paddy Power World Darts Championship, four years on from her ground-breaking exploits at Alexandra Palace.
The 29-year-old rose to prominence with landmark wins over Ted Evetts and Mensur Suljovic at the 2019/2020 World Championship, which saw her become the first woman to triumph on the sport’s biggest stage.
She also reached the Nordic Darts Masters final on her World Series of Darts debut in September 2021, before continuing her progress in reaching the Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finals later that year.
Sherrock was subsequently recognised for her services to darts in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours List, and was presented with the accolade by the Duke of Cambridge at an investiture ceremony in November.
“I am so proud of myself,” reflected Sherrock, who becomes the fourth player to receive the honour, following in the footsteps of Eric Bristow, John Lowe and Trina Gulliver.
“Who would have thought I would be curtsying to Prince William for playing darts? I was lost for words!
“Lisa [Ashton] and Trina [Gulliver] were the main faces of the sport when I was growing up, so it’s really special to be part of that and know that I’ve helped the sport progress to where it is now.
“I’m hoping this can inspire a new generation. You can see there are more younger players coming through now, which is great for the game.”
Sherrock will take on Jermaine Wattimena in her World Darts Championship opener on Sunday December 17, with German number two Martin Schindler awaiting the winner in round two.
The Milton Keynes superstar sealed her Ally Pally return with a run of four successive PDC Women’s Series titles in Events 20-23 – winning 29 consecutive matches during this period.
“I cannot wait to get back on that iconic stage and just play my game,” added Sherrock, featuring in her fourth World Darts Championship.
“I have so many good memories at Ally Pally. The atmosphere is electric and every time I go back there, I’m always reminded of what I achieved.
“I’m expecting everyone to produce their A-game against me now, but I’m feeling really comfortable and confident with my game.
“I do think I’m a better player and I believe I can handle the pressure a little bit better, but now I need to get the results to prove it.”
Sherrock will be joined in this year's 96-player field by Japan's Mikuru Suzuki, who won a hat-trick of Women's Series titles in 2023 to confirm her return to the sport's flagship event.
Suzuki impressed on her Alexandra Palace debut back in 2019/20, losing out to James Richardson in a thrilling last-leg decider, just two days prior to Sherrock's ground-breaking success.
"I'm hoping that Mikuru being back is a positive omen for me," quipped the former Women's World Matchplay champion.
"Me and Mikuru was where it all started, so hopefully having her back and encouraging her will be good for me.
"Hopefully we can both relax and play our game, and maybe I can do what I did four years ago!"
You can also read the exclusive feature with Fallon in the official 2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship programme, which is available to pre-order now.