The weekend of August 22, 2026, delivered a double dose of excitement for the PDC Women’s Series, with Events 17 and 18 unfolding at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena. The two tournaments saw veteran Lisa Ashton and charismatic Fallon Sherrock each claim a title, solidifying their positions as the second and third highest‑ranked players on the women’s circuit, while the series leader, Beau Greaves, was not present on the stage. Event 17 opened with Ashton in blistering form.
She powered through the early rounds, notching three consecutive white‑wash victories to reach the last‑16 without dropping a single leg. In the round of 16 she faced Lauren Hall, conceding only one leg before cruising into the quarter‑finals.
The quarter‑final match against Grace Ferridge was a display of controlled dominance; Ashton dispatched Ferridge 5‑1, showcasing her precise finishing and steady scoring. The semi‑final proved a tighter affair when she met Gemma Hayter. After a tense exchange that saw the scores level, Ashton edged through with a decisive leg, winning 5‑4 and earning a place in the final.
The final pitted Ashton against the rising talent Lauryn Salter, who had already made history by reaching her first Women’s Series final after a solid run that included victories over Emma Pearce and Jade Gofford. Salter’s journey lifted her to 16th in the series rankings, marking a significant breakthrough. In the championship match, Ashton’s experience shone through. She dismantled Salter 5‑0, delivering a flawless performance that secured her third Women’s Series title of the 2026 season and reinforced her status as the current runner‑up in the overall rankings.
While Ashton celebrated her triumph, the day also set the stage for a dramatic showdown in Event 18. Fallon Sherrock entered the second tournament with a clear objective: to prevent Ashton from adding a second title to her tally on the same day. Sherrock’s path to the final was marked by efficiency and confidence. She opened with a near‑perfect display, dropping only a single leg across her victories over Hollie McKain and Julie Whitehouse.
In the quarter‑finals she faced Jody Hancock, posting a respectable 93 average and winning 5‑2. The semi‑final saw her overcome Leanne Topper without difficulty, securing a place in the last eight.
The semi‑final round presented a tougher test as Sherrock met Aoife McCormack, whom she dispatched 5‑0, before confronting Gemma Hayter once more. This time the contest was more contested; Sherrock prevailed 5‑3, demonstrating resilience and tactical acumen. The final was a repeat of the July Women’s World Matchplay semi‑final, with Ashton and Sherrock meeting again. Sherrock, determined to claim her first Women’s Series title in over a year and a half, delivered a masterclass, winning 5‑0 and denying Ashton a second victory on the day.
Her performance, highlighted by a 93 average and flawless finishing, underscored her return to top‑form. The outcomes of both events reshaped the top of the Women’s Series leaderboard.
With Beau Greaves absent from Saturday’s action, Ashton moved firmly into second place, while Sherrock’s victory propelled her to third. The top three finishers in the final series rankings will earn spots at the 2026/27 Paddy Power World Darts Championship, and the series leader will also qualify for the 2026 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts, adding further incentive to the competition.
Beyond the immediate results, the weekend highlighted several broader narratives within women’s darts. Lauryn Salter’s breakthrough to her inaugural final signaled the emergence of new talent capable of challenging established stars. Her ascent to 16th in the rankings after a series of strong performances illustrates the depth and increasing competitiveness of the women’s field.
Meanwhile, Sherrock’s resurgence after a 16‑month title drought demonstrates the cyclical nature of form in darts, where experience and mental fortitude can quickly translate into tournament success. The Mattioli Arena events also offered fans a range of viewing options. While the official streams recommend using the Chrome browser for optimal video playback, darts enthusiasts could also follow live coverage via Sky Sports, NOW streaming services, and the official PDC YouTube channel. Additional content, such as highlights, podcasts like "Love the Darts," and post‑match analysis, provided a comprehensive experience for both casual viewers and dedicated followers of the sport.
Looking ahead, the absence of Greaves continues to be a focal point. As the series leader, her participation—or lack thereof—has a palpable impact on the rankings battle.
Should she return for the remaining events, the race for the top three spots and the coveted World Championship qualification will intensify further. For Ashton and Sherrock, the next few tournaments will be crucial in either consolidating their newly earned positions or attempting to overtake Greaves. In summary, Saturday’s double‑header at the Mattioli Arena delivered compelling storylines: Ashton’s third title of the year, Sherrock’s decisive victory breaking a long title drought, and Salter’s historic run to her first final.
The results not only reshaped the leaderboard but also set the stage for an exciting climax to the 2026 Women’s Series, where the stakes include both prestigious championship berths and the chance to cement one’s legacy in the rapidly evolving world of professional women’s darts.