03 December 2020

Lisa Ashton and Deta Hedman can be very dangerous at PDC World Darts Championship, says Colin Lloyd

Deta Hedman and Lisa Ashton could be serious challengers at the PDC World Darts Championship this year, according to former player Colin Lloyd.

Hedman and Ashton - the only two women in the draw - will be looking to follow in the footsteps of Fallon Sherrock, who became the first woman to win a match in the championships last year.

And Lloyd believes their experience at the top level - namely Ashton’s performances on the PDC Tour this year - will stand them in good stead to compete at Alexandra Palace.

Hedman will make her PDC world championship debut later this month

(PA Archive)

"Lisa and Deta have played on the big stage so I don't think they will be expecting anything they haven't seen before," he told Sky Sports.

"They have played in the biggest ladies events in the world and Lisa has had the class to be able to play in a good few of the men's events now.

"Playing in front of a crowd, playing in front of the cameras that certainly won't daunt them, they have miles of experience behind them and I think they will want to play well and play the way they know they can.

The draw for the world championships was made on Thursday, with Hedman set to make her tournament debut against World No 58 Andy Boulton.

Meanwhile, Ashton will look to better her first round defeat two years ago when she takes on World No 76 Adam Hunt.

Speaking before the draw was made, Lloyd added: "Having done the hard work to get there at the Women's Series they won't be put off about who they play and it will be interesting to see who they draw, because if Deta and Lisa play how they can they are going to be very, very dangerous."

The best videos delivered daily

Watch the stories that matter, right from your inbox