Darts sensation Fallon Sherrock has declared she is feeling dramatically improved as she gears up for her highly anticipated return to the World Darts Championship stage this week.
A Year of Personal and Health Challenges
The player known as the 'Queen of Ally Pally' will face world number 21 Dave Chisnall in the first round on Thursday evening at Alexandra Palace. Her comeback follows an exceptionally difficult year marked by both personal upheaval and ongoing health battles.
Sherrock, 31, split from fellow darts professional Cameron Menzies in July after a four-year relationship. The couple, who met playing in an online darts league, famously began their romance over a KFC meal. Their shock break-up was first revealed publicly by Dutch darts star Vincent van der Voort.
Alongside this personal strain, Sherrock has continued to manage a long-term kidney disease, first diagnosed in 2014. The condition has severely impacted her stamina, forcing her to cancel exhibition events and limit her tournament schedule. She has been open about the side-effects of her medication, including developing a 'moon face'.
Road to Recovery and Championship Ambitions
Despite previously considering a sabbatical in 2026, Sherrock now reports a significant turnaround. 'I feel 100 per cent better than what I did,' she stated. 'I definitely feel a bit more energetic and more positive in myself and less tired. My darts are slowly getting back to normal.'
Her goal is clear: to advance beyond the first round for the first time since her iconic run in the 2019-2020 championship. That year, she made history by reaching the third round, becoming the first woman ever to achieve such a feat in the tournament.
This marks her sixth World Championship appearance in seven years, and her popularity with the fans remains undimmed. Looking beyond this event, Sherrock has expressed a strong desire to qualify for the Grand Slam of Darts, aiming to 'make a statement' before any potential future break from the sport.
Focus on the Future
Sherrock's primary focus is now firmly on her health and her darts. She has spoken candidly about the need to rebuild her strength, stating, 'I just have to find myself again. I have to get healthy again - and once I've done that, anything is possible.'
As she steps back into the spotlight at Ally Pally, the sporting world will be watching to see if the revived Sherrock can once again capture the magic that made her a household name and inspire a new generation of darts fans.
