ASHTON PUTS UP A FIGHT AS SHE IS HIT BY DOUBLE DEKKER

SEAN VINCENT

FOUR-TIME BDO women’s world champion Lisa Ashton bowed out bravely last night as she made her debut in the PDC event on an historic evening at the Alexandra Palace. Ashton took on Dutchman Jan Dekker, twice a semi-finalist in the BDO Lakeside World Championship at Frimley Green. And Dekker ultimately proved too good for the 48-year-old from Bolton as he prevailed 3-1 but it was a sterling display by Ashton in the white-hot atmosphere of the London venue. Ashton got off to the best possible start as she took the opening set to earn a tumultuous ovation from the raucous crowd at the Ally Pally. But the Englishwoman was unable to keep up the hot pace she initially set as Dekker took the next three sets to triumph. She can be proud of her efforts, however, as she proved that women certainly have a place in the PDC. ‘Double’ Dekker’s reward for seeing off Ashton’s challenge is a second-round encounter against Englishman Mervyn King, the 19th seed, in London next Thursday evening. Anastasia Dobromyslova will now try to succeed where Ashton failed when she becomes the second women player to participate in this year’s championship on Monday night. The Russian’s first-round opponent is England’s Ryan Joyce and the winner of their encounter will face up to eighth-seeded Australian Simon Whitlock. Defending world champion Rob Cross came from behind to book his place in the third round with a 3-1 win over Jeffrey De Zwaan. Cross, who entered the tournament in mixed form since beating Michael van Gerwen and Phil Taylor on his way to lifting the crown last year, thrived off the pressure having dropped the opening set against De Zwaan, averaging 103.66.