Fallon Sherrock withdraws from BDO Women's Championship as poor ticket sales reduces available prize money

The BDO reduced prize money for players after ticket sales reach just 15 per cent

Fallon Sherrock made history at the 2019 PDC World Championship (Getty)

Fallon Sherrock has withdrawn from the upcoming BDO Women’s World Championship in January following “unexpected changes to the event” related to reduced prize money.

Sherrock became the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Championship and progressed to the third-round, but will not be taking part in the BDO competition, her management company announced.

The decision was made a day after the BDO announced that prize money for the tournament has been slashed due to only 15 per cent of tickets being sold.

A statement released by Sherrock’s management company, Modus Darts, confirmed her withdrawal.

“The decision took many factors into consideration, including changes to the event made yesterday,” said a statement on social media.

BDO chairman Des Jacklin told players that income was 85 per cent down on predictions and announced “we may not be able guarantee the prize funds as first indicated.”

Jacklin added that the BDO had been struggling to secure sponsorship due to perceptions that the competition is ‘toxic’.

“Given the current financial position of the BDO, we as directors would have been failing in our fiduciary duty had we ignored these elements and pledged as prize money the funds we do not have, nor are guaranteed to receive,” he said.

“Obviously as a player you need to reflect on how you will react to this disappointing news but all I ask is that... regardless of the fact that we may not be able guarantee the prize funds as first indicated, you will still be willing to honour the participation agreement and grace the BDO and the audiences with your presence.”

Michael Van Gerwen takes Peter Wright in the PDC World Championship final on New Year’s Day, before the BDO competition begins on January 4 in its new home at Indigo at The O2 following 39 years at Lakeside.