sportskeeda
IT’S A NO-GO – the eagerly awaited clash between Fallon Sherrock and Luke Littler has been canceled for Saturday night.
A thrilling matchup featuring two darting trailblazers has been called off after Ipswich barber Ryan Meikle triumphed in a gripping contest on the Ally Pally stage.
3
3
When the World Darts Championship draw happened last month, the potential showdown between Littler and Sherrock was a highlight and a popular conversation starter.
However, Sherrock – dubbed the Queen of the Palace – fell short in this ‘Crimpers Derby’, losing 3-2 in the closest match of the tournament so far.
Sherrock stated: “It was difficult, but I genuinely gave it everything; I couldn’t have given more.
“I kept striving to remain in the game and never gave up.
“I’m glad to have won two sets, but of course, I’m heartbroken about the loss.
“It stings at the moment, but there are positives I can take moving forward.
“I always enjoy competing at Ally Pally, and the crowd was amazing tonight.”
If Sherrock had progressed, it could have been one of the most-watched darts matches in Sky Sports history, featuring two players who have transformed the sport for different reasons.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
The behind-the-scenes team, particularly those in Sky marketing, will undoubtedly feel the weight of Sherrock’s exit.
This marks her fourth consecutive year being eliminated in the first round, raising concerns about whether her peak years are behind her.
Since December 2019, when she made history by defeating Ted Evetts and Mensur Suljovic – the first and only occasion a woman has bested men at the world level – she has not secured another win on the sport’s grand stage.
Meikle can now relax, but given his nerves during the opening legs, it might be wise for him to avoid scissors for a while!
World Darts Championship ace celebrates hitting 180 by doing Cole Palmer’s ‘cold’ celebration… & here’s the reason why.mp4
As expected, he was met with boos during his entrance and chants of “There’s only one Fallon Sherrock.”
The first set lacked excitement in terms of quality averages – Meikle posted a 70.39 average while Sherrock managed 79.11.
Nevertheless, Sherrock – a former hairdresser – showed more accuracy, finishing a leg with a 78 checkout to win the set with three straight legs.
Boyfriend Cameron Menzies was in attendance but chose to watch from backstage instead of the front-row VIP seats.
Just a day earlier, he suffered a 3-1 defeat to Leonard Gates, leaving the stage in tears for his father, who is currently in the hospital.
Whatever Meikle did backstage during the first commercial break seemed to work, as he relaxed and improved his performance with a 111 finish.
A break of throw in the third set, highlighted by a double 13 for a 119 checkout, was a significant setback for Sherrock as Meikle seized a 2-1 lead.
The Suffolk star Meikle struck 122 in leg four of the fourth set but faced several bounceouts.
Sherrock, 30, took advantage of Meikle’s dart misses to equalize at 2-2.
In a nerve-wracking final set, Sherrock had an opportunity to tie but missed the bullseye on a 170 attempt.
Meikle, 28, capitalized on the moment with his second match dart, setting him up for a prestigious showdown with the tournament favorite this weekend.
3
