Fallon Sherrock in WDF World Championship U-turn as Russian competitors withdrawn

Fallon Sherrock will return to Lakeside to compete in the 2022 WDF World Championship as one of four replacements for banned Russian players.

Following the IOC’s recommendation that no Russian players are permitted to participate in WDF events, Anastasia Dobromyslova, Elena Shulgina, Aleksey Kadochnikov and Roman Obukhov have all been withdrawn from the competition.

They have been replaced in the field and replaced by Sherrock, Jo Clements, John Scott and Landon Gardiner – the highest ranked players in the WDF world ranking tables at the end of 2021 that had not previously accepted the original invitation to compete.

Sherrock, the WDF women’s number two, had originally declined an invitation to compete, instead focusing on her PDC World Championship return, which ended in a First Round defeat to Steve Beaton at Alexandra Palace.

The 27-year-old, who finished runner-up in the 2015 Women’s World Championship at Lakeside, failed to gain a PDC Tour Card at Qualifying School in January and has now accepted a second invitation to compete in the inaugural WDF World Championship from April 2-10.

She will take on either Paula Jacklin or Rhian O’Sullivan in the Second Round.

“This unfortunate situation has impacted players representing the Russian Darts Federation and it is with sincere regret that Anastasia Dobromyslova, Elena Shulgina, Aleksey Kadochnikov and Roman Obukhov are now unable to compete in the 2022 World Championships,” said WDF Chief Development Officer Richard Ashdown.

“On behalf of the WDF, I would like to thank the RDF and the players affected for their understanding and the integrity shown during this time. Especially to Anastasia, who as one of the greatest champions and most beloved personalities in the sport will be sorely missed at the Lakeside in April.”

Leonard Gates, the highest ranked men’s player at the end of 2021 not already seeded, will now advance to Round Two, replacing 15th seed Kadochnikov in the draw.

In place of Gates, Johnny Haines will now play WDF number 43 John Scott in the opening round, with Jim McEwan facing New Zealand regional qualifier Landon Gardiner (replacing Roman Obukhov).

The tournament marks the sport’s televised return to Lakeside for the first time since 2019 – when the BDO hosted its penultimate World Championship before being liquidated the following year.

The men’s event will incorporate a prize fund of £200,000, with £50,000 on offer to the winner, while the women’s event features a total prize fund of £87,500, with a £25,000 top prize up for grabs.

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WDF World Championship – Amended matches

Saturday April 2

John Scott (Eng) v Johnny Haines (Eng)

Jim McEwan (Sco) v Landon Gardiner (NZ)

Suzanne Smith (Eng) v Jo Clements (Eng)

Monday April 4

Fallon Sherrock (Eng) v Paula Jacklin (Eng) or Rhian O’Sullivan (Wal)

Wednesday April 6

Leonard Gates (USA) v Steve Hine (Eng) or Kevin Luke (USA)

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