Lisa Ashton and Fallon Sherrock each walked away with a title at the PDC Women’s Series events 17 and 18 on Saturday, bolstering their positions as the second‑ and third‑ranked players on the Order of Merit. The double‑header took place at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena, where both competitors demonstrated why they are among the sport’s elite.
Event 17 began with Ashton in imperious form. She powered through the opening round with three consecutive white‑wash wins, never allowing an opponent to claim a single leg. In the last‑16 she met Lauren Hall, a tough opponent who managed to take one leg, but Ashton’s consistency saw her through to the quarter‑finals without further trouble. The Lancaster‑based darts professional then faced Grace Ferridge, dispatching her 5‑1 in a match that highlighted Ashton’s clinical finishing.
The semi‑final proved a sterner test. Ashton met Gemma Hayter, a player known for her resilience and scoring power. The encounter went the distance, with Ashton edging out Hayter in a deciding leg to secure her place in the final. In the championship match she faced Lauryn Salter, who had enjoyed a breakthrough tournament of her own, reaching her first Women’s Series final after a solid run that included victories over Emma Pearce and Jade Gofford.
Salter’s journey had already lifted her to 16th in the rankings, a remarkable jump for a newcomer. In the final, Ashton’s experience shone through.
She dominated Salter, delivering a flawless 5‑0 victory that earned her a third Women’s Series title of the 2026 season. The win not only added another trophy to Ashton’s cabinet but also reinforced her status as a consistent threat on the circuit.
Salter, despite the loss, made history by becoming the first player that season to reach a Women’s Series final, a milestone that promises further success as she gains confidence and exposure. While Ashton celebrated her triumph, the second event of the day offered a different storyline.
Fallon Sherrock, a former Women’s World Matchplay champion, entered the tournament determined to claim her own title. After a smooth start, conceding only a single leg in her early matches against Hollie McKain and Julie Whitehouse, Sherrock displayed a high average of 93 in her quarter‑final win over Jody Hancock. She then overcame Leanne Topper comfortably, securing her place in the last eight. Sherrock’s semi‑final opponent was Aoife McCormack, whom she dispatched with a convincing 5‑0 scoreline.
In the semi‑final proper she faced Gemma Hayter again, this time emerging victorious 5‑3 after a tightly contested battle. The win set up a much‑anticipated rematch with Lisa Ashton, mirroring the semi‑final clash from the July Women’s World Matchplay earlier in the year.
The final was a showcase of Sherrock’s dominance. She opened with a blistering 5‑0 win over Ashton, capturing her first Women’s Series title of the year and her first on the circuit in more than 16 months.
The result not only gave Sherrock a much‑needed confidence boost but also moved her into third place on the Order of Merit, behind Ashton and the series leader, Beau Greaves, who was absent from the Saturday action. Greaves’ continued absence does not diminish her lead; she remains atop the rankings and is poised to secure a spot at the 2026/27 Paddy Power World Darts Championship. The top three players in the final Women’s Series standings will qualify for that prestigious event, while the highest‑ranked player also gains entry to the 2026 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts.
The detailed results from the day underline the depth of talent in the women’s game: Event 17 – Quarter‑Finals: - Lauryn Salter 5‑2 Emma Pearce - Jade Gofford 5‑2 Sue Lowther - Lisa Ashton 5‑1 Grace Ferridge - Gemma Hayter 5‑3 Aileen de Graaf Semi‑Finals: - Lauryn Salter 5‑4 Jade Gofford - Lisa Ashton 5‑4 Gemma Hayter Final: - Lisa Ashton 5‑0 Lauryn Salter Event 18 – Quarter‑Finals: - Karolina Ratajska 5‑2 Tracey Dean - Lisa Ashton 5‑1 Trina Gulliver - Gemma Hayter 5‑1 Kirsty Hutchinson - Fallon Sherrock 5‑0 Aoife McCormack Semi‑Finals: - Lisa Ashton 5‑3 Karolina Ratajska - Fallon Sherrock 5‑3 Gemma Hayter Final: - Fallon Sherrock 5‑0 Lisa Ashton These results illustrate a competitive field where a few dominant players are constantly challenged by emerging talent. Salter’s rise, Ashton’s consistency, and Sherrock’s resurgence all point to an exciting future for women’s darts, with more players likely to break into the top tier as the series progresses. Beyond the immediate outcomes, the events also highlight the growing visibility of women’s darts on mainstream platforms. Fans can stream matches via NOW without a contract, and highlights are regularly featured on Sky Sports and the "Love the Darts" podcast, helping to attract new audiences and sponsors.
Looking ahead, the next few weeks will be crucial for the rankings battle. With Greaves still leading, Ashton and Sherrock will aim to close the gap, while other contenders such as Salter will look to build on their momentum. The stakes are high, as the top three will earn the coveted spots at the World Championship, and the series leader will also secure a place at the Grand Slam, offering a chance to compete against the very best in the sport. In summary, Saturday’s double‑header at Mattioli Arena delivered two compelling narratives: Ashton’s third title of the year and Sherrock’s emphatic return to the winner’s circle.
Both performances reinforce why these athletes are at the forefront of the women’s game and set the stage for an intense finish to the 2026 PDC Women’s Series.