WAYNE MARDLE has blasted the PDC for bending its rules to allow Fallon Sherrock to play at Ally Pally.
Almost three years on from her history-making achievements at the World Darts Championship, Sherrock will compete at the 2023 tournament, which begins Thursday, December 15.
GettyWayne Mardle has hit out at the PDC[/caption]
PAHe argues that Fallon Sherrock has been put in a difficult position[/caption]
Sherrock, 28, originally did not have a place in the 96-player field after finishing behind Lisa Ashton and Beau Greaves in the Women’s Order of Merit.
But the former Bucks hairdresser was handed a backdated wildcard spot due to her victory at the Women’s World Matchplay in July.
While his was not a personal attack, Sky Sports expert Mardle, 49, was surprised the sports’ body made a late call to the main draw.
The five-time world championship semi-finalist told Online Darts: “I’m not a fan, I don’t like the way that the PDC just kind of bent or changed the rules to get Fallon Sherrock in.
“This isn’t Fallon’s fault. I feel for Fallon here because she was getting a little bit of hatred and jealously thrown her way before this.
“They have now put her in an awkward position, it’s a privileged position, let’s not get that mixed up.
“If the PDC had said that the Matchplay champion would go into the worlds, there isn’t a problem.
“They have just left it so late. The PDC can do what they like, it’s their product.
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“But I think Fallon will get a lot more hate thrown her way, and I hope that isn’t the case.
“I hope I am wrong. I’d love her to win a game, just to put it right.
“Maybe the PDC felt compelled to give her a spot. I don’t want her to bear the brunt of it as it is not fair on her.”