Sherrock withdraws from BDO Women's World Championships

Fallon Sherrock will not take part in the upcoming BDO Women's World Championship, her management company announced on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old made history at the PDC World Championship, becoming the first woman to beat a man in the tournament as she reached the third round.

However, Sherrock's representatives Modus Sports Management issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon confirming she would not compete in the BDO event, which is set to start on January 4 at Indigo at The O2.

The announcement comes as a blow to the BDO, which had previously confirmed in a letter to players that prize money is set to be reduced following a drop in predicted income as the showpiece event moves away from the Lakeside in Surrey for the first time since 1986.

"This decision (not to play) took many factors into consideration, including unexpected changes to the event made yesterday," a statement from Modus Sports Management read.

"Fallon offers best wishes to the BDO and best of luck to those taking part.

"In the meantime, Fallon is looking forward to doing her best in the other tournaments in 2020."

Sherrock referred to the statement in her own brief Twitter post, adding: "I hope (it) answers the questions people have asked me over the past 24 hours."

The 25-year-old became the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Championship on December 17 when beating Ted Evetts, and she followed it up with a shock victory over world number 11 Mensur Suljovic, cheered on by a raucous crowd.

Her run at Alexandra Palace, though, came to an end following a 4-2 defeat to 22nd seed Chris Dobey.

The former mobile hairdresser from Milton Keynes made headlines around the world and was hailed as an inspiration and a trailblazer by the likes of tennis great Billie Jean King.

"I have helped darts in general," said Sherrock, who was runner-up to Lisa Ashton at the 2015 BDO Women's World Championship. "I think there's people now who didn't watch darts, but want to watch it.

"Especially with the ladies' game, I have proved we can compete with all these men, we need more opportunities."

Following her success, Sherrock has been invited into all of the World Series of Darts events in 2020, and also intends to try for a tour card at the PDC Qualifying School.

The BDO has been contacted for comment.