Fallon Sherrock said she was "gobsmacked" after receiving a shock qualifying place for the PDC World Championship and believes having three women play at Ally Pally will boost the female game.
The 28-year-old was nicknamed 'Queen of the Palace' after becoming the first woman to win at the event before reaching the last 32 two years ago. After suffering a first round defeat in last year's event Sherrock faced missing next month's tournament after failing to book a qualifying spot via the Women's Series - with Lisa Ashton and 18-year-old sensation Beau Greaves taking the two places.
Sherrock was shocked by the PDC's decision to grant her a qualifying spot for winning the inaugural Women's World Matchplay title - not known as a qualifying event.