Ally Pally & Grand Slam targets for Sherrock after Copenhagen exploits

Ally Pally & Grand Slam targets for Sherrock after Copenhagen exploits

Fallon Sherrock is targeting an Alexandra Palace return and Grand Slam debut as part of a busy end to the year following her sensational run to the final of the Nordic Darts Masters.

Fallon Sherrock is targeting an Alexandra Palace return and Grand Slam debut as part of a busy end to the year following her sensational run to the final of the Nordic Darts Masters.

Sherrock revelled on the Copenhagen stage in her first TV appearance in a year, producing a sensational comeback to defeat Dimitri Van den Bergh in the semi-finals to become the first woman to reach the final of a PDC televised event.

Having pushed Michael van Gerwen all the way in a thrilling final, Sherrock is now looking ahead to this weekend's start of the Women's Series in Milton Keynes, where World Championship and Grand Slam of Darts places will be up for grabs.

"I've got a lot of darts to look forward to for the rest of the year, which is brilliant," said Sherrock.

"What I achieved in Copenhagen was incredible, but I've got to re-focus now and get off to a good start in the Women's Series because I want to play in the World Championship and Grand Slam.

"I've taken the opportunities I've been given by the PDC and I want to keep taking those opportunities."

History-maker Sherrock was denied a second successive Alexandra Palace appearance at last year's Women's Series as she missed out on a qualification place by just two legs.

However, the 27-year-old insists she has learnt from that experience and is determined to qualify this time around.

Sherrock continued: "Throughout Q-School, the Women's Series, after all of that I felt like I put a lot of pressure on myself.

"I felt like I'd had a lot of pressure to perform and I shouldn't have been doing that. I should have just gone, played, I didn't need to prove anything to anyone.

"The past few months I've been enjoying it again, not putting any pressure on myself, it's made me more relaxed and I'm just playing better."

Michael van Gerwen, Fallon Sherrock
Sherrock pushed Van Gerwen all the way in a thrilling final


Reflecting on a final which she lost 11-7 to Michael van Gerwen, having led 6-3, Sherrock explained why she is only taking positives from her Nordic Masters experience.

"I'm so proud of myself," said Sherrock. "I think this weekend topped my run at Ally Pally because  I feel like I played a lot better.

"The comeback in the semi-finals showed how well I can play and keep up with the top players.

"I gave Michael a run for his money and pushed him in the final - there aren't many people who can say they've done that.

"When I went 6-3 up I must admit I had a huge adrenaline rush and was shaking.

"It was unbelievable to be winning against such an iconic player, I had to calm myself down."

Van Gerwen broke down in tears on stage after his triumph, and Sherrock revealed the kind words offered from the world number three on stage after the final.

"After the game he said how well I played," Sherrock added. "He said he was proud of me and that I'm helping the game of darts.

"He was so supportive, and it was so special to hear those words from someone I've looked up to as inspiration for many years."