Supermum Fallon Sherrock only realised she had done something special for women’s sport when tennis legend Billie Jean King sent her congratulations on Twitter .
As the new Queen of Alexandra Palace absorbed the enormity of her Christmas miracle, Sherrock gasped: “Who would have thought someone like that would tweet me?
“I mean, I am me! I am just a normal person from Milton Keynes. This stuff doesn’t happen to normal people, it’s incredible.”
The truth, of course, is that a hairdresser from Bletchley, who sprays graffiti all over the bookies’ odds of 2,000-1 at the William Hill PDC World Championship, is not just a ‘normal’ girl next door any more.
Sherrock had already made history by becoming the first woman to beat a bloke at the World Championship when she knocked out Ted Evetts in the first round. But by toppling Austria’s world No.11 Mensur Suljovic 3-1 on Saturday night, with the fancy dress battalions at Ally Pally reaching fever pitch, she has elevated herself into the superstar bracket.
Six-time Wimbledon champion Mrs King does not send personal messages on social media to any old Tom, Dick or Harriet. As a standard-bearer for women’s rights and humanity, she knows her onions.
And whether she likes it or not, Sherrock is no longer just a darts player who won the nation’s hearts on prime-time TV in the Christmas party season.
She is now a champion of the sisterhood and sporting mums. All for winning two games of darts – brilliantly.
Most people thought she would bow out gracefully when Suljovic came calling. But never mind going out with a whimper, we’ve got the crimper.
Sherrock’s finishing – landing 69 per cent of her checkouts – was sensational. And to complete the greatest upset in darts history on the bullseye was pure gold, frankincense and mirth.
She will compose a reply to Billie Jean’s goodwill message and then tackle her biggest test of a momentous week yet: facing the public to go out Christmas shopping.
If Sherrock hopes anonymity will be kind to her, she hasn’t got a prayer.
She said: “I will tweet back to her eventually. I’ll think of a response. I will do that socially.
“I am surprised it has blown up as much as it has. Who would have thought the response would have been worldwide? I thought it would be just the people who knew about darts, just normal people.
“If people didn’t know darts, they know about darts now. They want to watch it, want to play, inspire more people to play it... that is insane.
“Obviously, I like to inspire people and I try to help people as much as I can. If I can be a role model and leader, I am happy to do that. This week has been manic, and I love it. I don’t want it to end. I have just beaten one of the best players in the world – if you had told me I would do that a few weeks ago, I would have thought you were having a laugh.”
Sherrock can now prepare for a Christmas like no other. On December 27, she will play mercurial Geordie Chris Dobey for a place in the last 16.
That’s the last 16 players left at the WORLD Championship, not some allcomers night down at the Dog and Duck. She is already on a guaranteed payday of £25,000 and beating Dobey will be worth another 10 grand on top.
“It instantly changes my life,” she said. “Right now, I can’t think how it will affect my life, but it will definitely change it.”
Sherrock has already unwrapped “the best Christmas present I’ve ever had” by toppling Suljovic, and now it’s five-year-old son Rory’s turn.
“I will practise the same amount that I normally do on Christmas Day – I will do about four hours anyway,” said Sherrock.
“I am not going to change anything. It’s working, it’s my job. I won’t go over it, I won’t go below it.
“My son is always up early, and on Christmas Day I will probably be up about 5.30am. So, hopefully he has a sleep during the day.
“If not, I will get my other family members to look after him for a few hours. I can have a throw on the dartboard, probably after lunch and opening presents. My little boy can play with his toys and enjoy it.
“But I haven’t been out yet. I cannot imagine what Christmas will be like when I go out to get presents. That will be exciting.
“I would normally be practising for the BDO Ladies World Championship at this time of year, but I have never practised on Christmas Day before – now I will have to because I have a game two days later. That will be different to normal.”
With respect, the Pink Princess can say goodbye to normality. She is headline news.
“I am hoping I can just go out and walk down the street, go to the shop and no one knows who I am,” added Sherrock. Good luck with that one, Shezza. And Merry Christmas.
