PDC to stage Women’s Series in October

The PDC will stage a four-event Women’s Series in October, with places in the Grand Slam of Darts and World Championship up for grabs.

Two places in the 2020/21 World Championship will be on offer for female players based on prize money won across the four events to be held on October 17-18 in Cannock.

The mini-tour will replace the two separate qualifying tournaments for the World Championship which have been staged over the past two years, offering £20,000 prize money in total across the four events.

Entry will be £25 per player per event and will be open to all female players aged 16 and above.

Ahead of the four PDC Women’s Series events, a separate, free-to-enter Grand Slam of Darts Qualifier will be staged on Friday October 16, offering one place in November’s tournament.

Lisa Ashton became the first woman to win a PDC Tour Card at Qualifying School earlier this year – among 16 female players competing in the event – while Fallon Sherrock created history with her landmark run to the Last 32 of the 2019/2020 World Championship, defeating Ted Evetts and Mensur Suljovic along the way.

Anastasia Dobromyslova had joined Ashton in qualifying for the 2018/2019 World Championship, while Japan’s Mikuru Suzuki competed alongside Sherrock at Alexandra Palace last December.

Ashton and Suzuki also featured in the Grand Slam 2019 and will look to secure another appearance in the prestigious event if they win through the qualifier.

PDC Chief Executive Matthew Porter said: “Women’s darts at the top level has never enjoyed as high a profile and this is an important development.

“This year has seen sport worldwide affected by the Coronavirus pandemic and it is hugely encouraging at a time when other sports are seeing opportunities for women reduced that we are able to bring in the PDC Women’s Series and create a place in the 2020 Grand Slam of Darts.

“We are also retaining two places in the World Darts Championship for female players, giving them the opportunity to take part in our sport’s biggest tournament once again after the historic achievements of Fallon Sherrock last December.”

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PDC Women’s Series 2020 Dates

Friday October 16

Grand Slam of Darts Qualifier

Saturday October 17

PDC Women’s Series Events One & Two

Sunday October 18

PDC Women’s Series Events Three & Four