Popular darts pundit Wayne Mardle insists that Fallon Sherrock does not deserve her PDC World Championship place - but now fears a backlash towards the 'Queen of the Palace'.
Sherrock earned her nickname after creating history in the 2019/20 tournament by becoming the first woman to win at Alexandra Palace. But she looked to have missed out on the darting showpiece at 'Ally Pally' this year after failing to book a spot via the Women's Series - with veteran Lisa Ashton and teenage sensation Beau Greaves taking the two qualifying places.
In a shock move, however, the Professional Darts Corporation have handed Sherrock a controversial call-up after concluding that her victory at the inaugural Women's World Matchplay this year was enough to seal her inclusion in the prestigious male-dominated event.
Sherrock already hit the headlines last week by claiming she hated her female rivals and that she did not feel welcome on the women's tour. And the PDC's decision to hand the 28-year-old an Ally Pally reprieve has been met with condemnation by some darts fans.
Mardle, nicknamed 'Hawaii 501' during his eventful playing days, agrees that Sherrock did not earn her spot, but fears she could receive unwarranted backlash for a decision that was out of her control.
"No," Mardle replied to a fan who asked on Twitter if Sherrock deserved her spot. "I’ve said this many times this week. I understand commercially it makes sense, but I feel if there was a spot unallocated for it should go to the next in the order of merit. I fear a backlash towards Fallon, and it’s not her fault."
'Bully Boy' Michael Smith disagrees with Mardle, however, claiming that Sherrock will bring 'excitement' value to the event. Smith, who won his first career major at the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton, is looking forward to seeing how Sherrock fares in the event.
"Yeah it is good," Smith said when quizzed on Sherrock's invitation. "I know there's a bit of controversy around it, but Fallon brings excitement to the Worlds, she brings a lot of attention by media, by people tuning in to watch.
"It's going to be a fantastic year this year. You've got Fallon, Lisa [Ashton] and Beau Greaves - who is one of the best women darts players around at the minute, so everyone is trying to avoid her in the draw." He added: "It'll be fun, and hopefully all the girls miss each other in the draw, and hopefully there's a few upsets."
