Fallon Sherrock has dealt a mortal blow to the BDO world championship by pulling out of the tournament over its slashed prize fund and ticket sales fiasco.
And now there are grave doubts about whether the tournament will go ahead if others follow the first lady of darts out of the door.
Sherrock, who made history at the PDC's Ally Pally circus by knocking out male opponents Ted Evetts and Mensur Suljovic, was due to begin her campaign for the BDO ladies' world title on Saturday.
But as Mirror Sport revealed yesterday, the bungling BDO have been forced to cut their prize money fund by more than 50 per cent because of poor ticket sales, TV income and sponsorship.
Sherrock would have won just £8,000 – only £500 more than she won for beating Evetts in the first round at Ally Pally – for winning the ladies' world title.
A source confirmed: “Fallon has decided not to take part in the BDO Women's World Championship.
“This decision took many factors into consideration, including unexpected changes made to the event yesterday.”
Overseas players could follow suit because the reduction of prize money will leave them out of pocket on their air fares and hotel bills.
The BDO controversially left the Lakeside, spiritual home of its world championship, after 33 years to switch to the Indigo at London's O2 arena.
But only 15 per cent of tickets have been sold for the tournament – and Sherrock has decided she wants no part of a low-grade shambles.
