Fallon Sherrock responds to criticism after beating Luke Littler to win £501,000

Fallon Sherrock has hit back at criticism after winning £501,000 by beating Luke Littler live on Netflix.

Twenty amateurs, including a binman and a Nando’s restaurant manager, were lined up for the ‘Beat Luke Littler’ challenge and the prize money was awarded to the first person who could defeat the world No.1 in a single leg.

Sherrock was the 15th contender to face Littler and after two and a half hours, the reigning world champion was defeated.

Gary Lineker, who was hosting Netflix’s show, described Sherrock as ‘a hairdresser from Milton Keynes’, however, that is a major disservice to the 32-year-old as she remains the only woman in history to have won a match at the PDC World Darts Championship.

However, Sherrock has never held a PDC Tour Card, which allowed her to compete against Littler alongside the other amateur contestants.

‘I mean it’s been tough,’ Sherrock said in response to the criticism of her inclusion in the event.

‘Because obviously I do see the backlash and I do see all the negative comments.

‘But at the end of the day, I fit the criteria for this. I’ve never had a tour card, and I wouldn’t class myself as a pro really, because all I do is just play darts for the enjoyment of it.

‘I think people forget where I started off as well. When I won at the Worlds, I was still just doing WDF (World Darts Federation).

‘I’m just so happy to overcome all the hate and win.’

PDC president Barry Hearn also hit back at those who are unhappy with Sherrock’s inclusion.

‘Do you want just a series of 20 matches where someone can’t even throw a dart?’ Hearn said.

‘No, of course we want excellence competing against excellence, and that’s what it was all about.’

Earlier this week, Netflix also responded to the criticism around the decision to allow Sherrock to compete.

‘The application and audition process for Beat Luke Littler was exactly the same for everyone and open only to people aged 12 and over who do not hold – and have never held – a PDC Tour Card,’ a Netflix spokesperson said.

‘The final 24 that have been selected for the chance to face Luke this week, all queued up to compete in the heats in London or Manchester, respectively, and managed to complete a leg of 501 in 24 darts or less to prove their darting ability.’

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