Fallon Sherrock Challenges Darts Players Over Illness Excuses
Fallon Sherrock has issued a blunt response to Michael van Gerwen's recent illness-related absences from the Premier League Darts, drawing attention to her own experiences of competing while managing period pain. The darts star expressed minimal sympathy for the Dutchman's struggles, urging players to persevere through physical discomfort.
'Get On With It' Attitude
Van Gerwen has withdrawn from three Premier League nights recently and appeared out of form upon his return against Gerwyn Price. Sherrock, however, dismissed concerns about his condition during an appearance on Double Tops.
"If you're ill like Michael van Gerwen has been, of course it's hard to play it down," Sherrock acknowledged. "But you've got to try and play your best and just get on with it."
The darts professional then highlighted the unique challenges female athletes face, stating: "For women, we have periods and the cramps that go with those. People don't understand how hard that sort of stuff is."
Playing Through Discomfort
Sherrock elaborated on her personal approach to competing while experiencing menstrual symptoms, revealing: "I don't really want to be up there playing darts but I've got to go out and do it. I have to go out on stage and play well otherwise I'm going to lose."
She framed this resilience as an essential aspect of professional darts, adding: "It's just part of being a darts player. So when people say they're sick or are feeling under the weather, I don't really buy it."
Premier League Standings and Form
Despite his health issues, Van Gerwen maintains third position in the Premier League standings. Meanwhile, Luke Littler has experienced a more challenging start to the competition following his second world championship victory at Alexandra Palace.
Littler currently occupies seventh place among the eight competitors ahead of Thursday's night five event in Cardiff. Sherrock remains unconcerned about The Nuke's recent performances.
Confidence in Littler's Comeback
"He's sitting back and putting a challenge on himself – 100 percent!" Sherrock declared regarding Littler's approach. "I can see him really coming out all guns blazing in the later weeks and almost surprising everyone."
She suggested Littler might be employing strategic patience, explaining: "At the moment people think 'oh he's not doing well in the Premier League' and I just think he wants to almost go 'just you lot wait'."
Sherrock expressed confidence in Littler's qualification prospects, stating: "I don't see any way he doesn't make it to the O2 in London. He's biding his time, will come out all guns blazing and do what we know he does... win."
Developing Character and Resilience
The darts star also commented on Littler's evolving public persona, noting: "Things might not be going great now and I know he got a lot of boos in Belfast but he won't care – he looks like he's trying to play the pantomime villain a little bit and wind people up."
Sherrock observed significant development in Littler's character since his breakthrough, concluding: "He's got a character now, which he didn't really have when he burst on the scene. I think he'll play on that more and more."
