The weekend of August 22, 2026 saw the Mattioli Arena in Leicester become the focal point of the PDC Women’s Series, as two seasoned competitors, Lisa Ashton and Fallon Sherrock, each captured a title in the back-to-back Events 17 and 18. Their triumphs not only reinforced their standing in the overall rankings – Ashton solidifying second place and Sherrock climbing to third – but also highlighted the depth of talent on the women’s circuit, especially in the continued absence of the series leader, Beau Greaves. Event 17 unfolded with Ashton asserting her dominance from the very first round. She dispatched her first three opponents without dropping a single leg, delivering three consecutive white‑wash victories that propelled her straight into the last‑16 stage.
In that round she faced Lauren Hall, a resilient competitor who managed to claim a solitary leg before Ashton’s relentless scoring saw her through to the quarter‑finals. The quarter‑final match against Grace Ferridge proved to be a slightly tighter affair, yet Ashton’s experience shone through as she secured a 5‑1 win, demonstrating a blend of clinical finishing and strategic play.
The semi‑final presented a stern test against Gemma Hayter, a player known for her tenacity and ability to turn matches around in the dying moments. The encounter went the distance, with Ashton eventually prevailing in a decisive last‑leg decider. This victory not only highlighted her mental fortitude under pressure but also earned her a place in the final where she would meet the in‑form Lauryn Salter.
Salter, a rising star from Lancaster, had enjoyed a breakthrough campaign earlier in the year, reaching the semi‑finals of Event 12 and now making her inaugural Women’s Series final appearance. Her path to the final was marked by impressive wins over Emma Pearce and Jade Gofford, performances that lifted her to 16th in the series rankings. Despite her momentum, the final proved a daunting challenge.
Ashton, the 2025 Women’s World Matchplay champion, delivered a masterclass, sweeping Salter aside with a flawless 5‑0 scoreline. The victory marked Ashton’s third Women’s Series title of the 2026 season and underscored her status as a consistent threat at the top of the leaderboard.
While Salter’s defeat was decisive, her achievement of reaching the final cannot be overlooked. It represents a significant milestone in her career and signals her potential to become a regular contender in future events.
Her ascent in the rankings serves as a reminder that the women’s game is evolving, with new talent emerging to challenge the established order. The following day, Event 18 provided a dramatic contrast as Fallon Sherrock, a veteran of the circuit and the 2022 Women’s World Matchplay winner, turned her attention to the title. Sherrock’s campaign began with a near‑perfect run through the early rounds, dropping only a single leg across her victories over Hollie McKain and Julie Whitehouse.
In the quarter‑finals she faced Jody Hancock, posting an impressive 93 average and securing a comfortable win that set the tone for the rest of the tournament. Sherrock’s momentum continued as she dispatched Leanne Topper and then delivered a commanding 5‑0 defeat of Aoife McCormack in the quarter‑finals. The semi‑final saw her confront Gemma Hayter once more, this time reversing the previous year’s outcome. Sherrock prevailed 5‑3, showcasing a blend of high‑scoring visits and surgical checkout efficiency that left Hayter unable to mount a comeback.
The final pitted Sherrock against Lisa Ashton, recreating the semi‑final clash from the July Women’s World Matchplay. In a display of sheer dominance, Sherrock replicated her earlier performance by winning 5‑0, thereby claiming her first Women’s Series title of the 2026 season after a 16‑month hiatus from series victories. The result not only added a coveted trophy to Sherrock’s cabinet but also cemented her position as the third‑ranked player in the series standings.
Both events were broadcast with an invitation to viewers to use the Chrome browser for optimal video playback, reflecting the organisers’ commitment to delivering a seamless streaming experience. Additionally, fans were reminded of various ways to stay connected with darts content, including the NOW streaming service, Sky Sports coverage, and the "Love the Darts" podcast, ensuring that enthusiasts have multiple avenues to follow the sport. With Greaves absent from the Saturday action, the top of the Women’s Series rankings remains unchanged, with Greaves retaining the lead. Ashton and Sherrock, however, have narrowed the gap, each adding valuable points to their totals.
The significance of these rankings extends beyond bragging rights; the top three finishers will earn qualification for the 2026/27 Paddy Power World Darts Championship, while the series leader will also secure a spot in the 2026 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts. In summary, the double‑header at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena delivered a showcase of skill, resilience, and emerging talent.
Lisa Ashton’s third title of the year reaffirmed her status as a seasoned champion, while Fallon Sherrock’s emphatic victory signalled a resurgence for the former world champion. The performances of Lauryn Salter and other up‑and‑coming players illustrate the growing depth of the women’s game, setting the stage for an exciting remainder of the 2026 Women’s Series as players vie for the coveted World Championship berths and the chance to challenge the dominant Beau Greaves upon her return.