Lisa Ashton is one of the pioneers of the women’s game and hopes to make history by winning on the Alexander Palace stage this December.
Ashton’s massive showdown with Michael Smith on the opening night of the World Darts Championship marks her fifth appearance on the iconic stage after defeats to Jan Decker in 2019, Adam Hunt in 2021, Ron Meulenkamp in 2022 and a narrow 3-2 loss to Ryan Michael in 2023.
It was a great year for Ashton, however, as she claimed victory at the Women’s World Championship in Blackpool, defeating Beau Greaves and then Fallon Sherrock on her way to glory.
It was Ashton’s “bucket list” win on home soil that reignited her confidence that she can still compete with the best the sport has to offer.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Lisa Ashton and Fallon Sherrock give their reaction after the Women’s World Cup final
Now, she wants to create another historic moment if she can beat former world champion Smith on the Alli Palli stage and is counting on the crowd to help her achieve it.
“It just shows if I can still push the kids, and it brings my game back because my form is coming at the right time,” Ashton said.
“As long as I can still compete with them, I’m happy with that, so it pushes my game back, and I’m glad I can compete with them.”
“It’s so nice to hear that crowd yelling your name and that, and then like they said, when you say you have a bad score and you’re feeling low, you hear that crowd and it’s completely gone.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Ashton defeated Beau Greaves in the semifinals of the Women’s World Championship
“They pick you right back up and you’re just right on top of it. So it’s great to have that support because they help you when you need it and push you back up.”
“It’s hard to explain, because it’s the excitement, the adrenaline, all that, but it’s brilliant.”
“I keep saying it, but I’m keeping my fingers crossed (I can win). I’m happy I got there because I’m not like I’m a spring chicken, I’m one of the older ladies playing in it, but I’m happy I can still qualify.”
“It’s an important thing for me. So I’m going to give it 100 percent and hopefully one of these days I can get that win.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Ashton reached the 140-goal mark during her semi-final against Beau Greaves at the Women’s World Cup
‘One-off’ Beau Greaves is ‘female Luke Littler’
Ashton has been around the women’s game for a long time, and that means she knows how to spot up-and-coming talent.
Indeed, when Greaves burst onto the scene, she immediately knew it was going to be something special and is now following in Ashton’s footsteps by getting her PDC Tour card.
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Beau Greaves has played five straight matches to defeat Nick Springer in the group stage of the Grand Slam of Darts
Greaves takes on Daryl Gurney in the World Darts Championship on Friday 19th December, live Ski Sports.
“When I had my Tour, I said Beau Greaves was going to be next. She has levels. That girl has levels and levels, and it’s fantastic to do that,” Ashton added.
“She’s still young and she’s proven that this is where she should be at the level she’s doing now. And it’s great to see her take it on and push herself.”
“I know we’re still in the women’s series and I’d love to play her, but it’s nice to see the damage she’s going to do now.”
Use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Beau Greaves came tantalizingly close to a sensational victory over Michael van Gerwen at the Grand Slam of Darts after missing a dart in his final decider
So what exactly did she see in Greaves?
“She’s just the way she is. The way she controls herself and her throw is so natural,” she said.
“There’s nothing that can go wrong with it. I know she’s had dartitis before, and she’s battled it, and she’s battled it.
“But you can just see the pitching levels and the way she pitches and there’s not much wrong with that.
“You can tell when you know it’s special.”
“She’s the female Luke Littler of what we have in women’s darts. And when you get that ability, it’s just a one-time thing, and that girl has it.”
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match exclusively live from 11 December to 3 January on the dedicated darts channel Ski Sports (Ski channel 407 from 10 December). Stream darts and more top sports with NOW.