Lisa Ashton Stuns Fallon Sherrock and Beau Greaves to Lift 2025 Women's World Matchplay

Having never previously reached the final of the Women’s World Matchplay, four-time women’s world champion Lisa Ashton finally got her hands on the coveted PDC trophy in 2025 after edging out Fallon Sherrock 6-5 in a dramatic and emotional showdown.

The 54-year-old, affectionately known as the “Lancashire Rose”, showed all her grit and experience to hold her nerve as Sherrock missed 11 match darts across the closing legs. 

A second title for the “Queen of the Palace” looked likely, but Ashton capitalised on the opportunity to write her name into the history books.

A landmark moment for a trailblazer

Ashton’s triumph is a major milestone in a storied career that has spanned three decades and seen her blaze a trail for women’s darts. The victory marks a significant high point, especially given the calibre of opponent she overcame enroute to the title.

“It’s up there, because it’s the first PDC one. It’s definitely top of my CV,” Ashton said proudly, having now added a PDC crown to her four world championships on the BDO/WDF circuit.

Toppling the favourite in the semi-finals

The afternoon’s action began with Ashton producing a stunning performance to knock out the tournament favourite and Women’s Series number one, Beau Greaves.

Greaves, unbeaten in the competition for the past two years and the reigning two-time champion, was widely tipped to defend her crown once more. But Ashton upset the odds with a 5-3 semi-final win to reach her first ever World Matchplay final.

Earlier, she had opened her campaign with a confident 4-2 quarter-final victory over Irish thrower Robyn Bryne.

Ecstatic scenes as Ashton lifts the trophy

Immediately after clinching the title, an emotional Ashton struggled to put into words just how much the moment meant to her.

“I'm ecstatic. It's not really sunken, but yes, I'm so happy to finally get over in the line and get my name on this trophy.”

Holding her nerve in a tense finale

The final reached a dramatic crescendo as Sherrock, one of the sport’s biggest names, missed a remarkable 11 darts to seal the title. But Ashton kept her composure and turned the tide in her favour at the death.

“You’re always going to think you missed your chance because Fallon never misses much,” Ashton admitted. 

“I thought all I can do is put her under a bit of pressure and then hopefully I can take my chances, which I did.”

A well-earned title for a true great

Ashton’s resilience, experience, and belief paid off in Blackpool as she became only the third woman to lift the Women’s World Matchplay title, and the first to do so without previously making the final.

It was a day that will long be remembered, and a crowning achievement for one of the game’s true pioneers.