Lisa Ashton and Fallon Sherrock each walked away with a trophy from the back-to-back PDC Women’s Series events held on Saturday, solidifying their spots as the second and third highest‑ranked players on the circuit. The twin fixtures, designated Events 17 and 18, were staged at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena and provided a showcase of high‑quality darts, dramatic comebacks, and a glimpse of the shifting dynamics within the women’s game. Event 17 opened with Ashton in blistering form. She breezed through the opening round, posting three consecutive whitewash wins that saw her advance to the last sixteen without dropping a single leg.
In the round of sixteen she faced Lauren Hall and, after a tightly contested exchange, surrendered only one leg before cruising into the quarter‑finals. Her momentum continued as she dispatched Grace Ferridge 5–1 in the quarters, displaying a blend of clinical finishing and steady scoring. The semi‑final presented a sterner test against Gemma Hayter; the match went the distance, but Ashton edged it in a decisive final leg, earning her a place in the final.
In the championship match Ashton met Lauryn Salter, the 2025 Women’s World Matchplay champion. Salter, who had impressed earlier in the year by reaching the semi‑finals of Event 12, was eager to add another title to her résumé. However, Ashton proved too dominant, delivering a flawless 5–0 performance that secured her third Women’s Series triumph of the 2026 season. Salter, despite the loss, made history by reaching her inaugural Women’s Series final and climbed to 16th in the rankings as a result of her strong showing.
The second day of action, Event 18, saw a reversal of fortunes. Fallon Sherrock entered the tournament with a clear objective: to prevent Ashton from completing a double‑header and to claim her own first Series title of the year. Sherrock opened her campaign by conceding just a single leg in her first two matches, defeating Hollie McKain and Julie Whitehouse with ease. In the quarter‑finals she faced Jody Hancock, posting a respectable 93 average en route to a comfortable victory, and then brushed aside Leanne Topper to secure a spot in the last eight.
Sherrock’s quarter‑final triumph over Aoife McCormack was a clean 5–0 win, and she subsequently met Gemma Hayter in the semi‑finals. The encounter proved more competitive, with Sherrock ultimately prevailing 5–3 after a series of high‑scoring visits and clutch checkouts. This set up a much‑anticipated rematch of the July Women’s World Matchplay semi‑final, pitting Sherrock against Ashton once more.
In the final, Sherrock delivered a masterclass, overwhelming Ashton with a 5–0 victory that marked her first Women’s Series title in over sixteen months. The absence of Beau Greaves, who has been the dominant force in the series and remains atop the rankings, added an extra layer of intrigue to the weekend. With Greaves not competing, the battle for the top three positions intensified, and both Ashton and Sherrock used the opportunity to cement their places as the immediate challengers. The final standings of the Women’s Series will determine which three players earn qualification for the 2026/27 Paddy Power World Darts Championship, while the series leader will also secure a coveted spot at the 2026 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts.
Beyond the headline results, the event highlighted several emerging narratives. Lauryn Salter’s rapid ascent, highlighted by her first final appearance and a jump to 16th in the rankings, signals a growing depth of talent in the women’s game. Meanwhile, the consistent performances of veterans such as Karolina Ratajska and Trina Gulliver, who both featured in the latter stages of Event 18, underscore the blend of experience and youth that characterises the circuit. The tournament also offered fans a range of viewing options.
Darts enthusiasts were encouraged to stream the matches via NOW, a contract‑free platform, and to follow live coverage on Sky Sports for the most comprehensive highlights. Additional content, including the "Love the Darts" podcast, provided analysis and behind‑the‑scenes insight for those looking to deepen their understanding of the sport.
Looking ahead, the focus will shift to the upcoming BoyleSports World Grand Prix, where world number one Luke Littler will defend his title. The event promises further excitement for darts fans, with live broadcasts on Sky Sports and streaming availability through NOW.
As the Women’s Series progresses toward its conclusion, the battle for the remaining qualification spots and the coveted Grand Slam entry will undoubtedly produce more thrilling moments and potentially new champions in the making.