Advertisement

Mikuru Suzuki: Female darts star narrowly misses out on historic win

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15: Mikuru Suzuki of Japan celebrates in her First Round match against James Richardson of England during Day Three of the 2020 William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on December 15, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
Mikuru Suzuki almost made history on Sunday. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)

Mikuru Suzuki fell agonisingly short of making history after losing 3-2 to James Richardson in the PDC World Championship.

The 37-year-old Japanese darts player would have become the first woman to win a match in the competition’s history, but lost on the final leg.

Having been just one leg from defeat in the early exchanges - the reigning women’s world champion made only two of the first 15 doubles - Suzuki recovered by winning five legs in succession.

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 15: Mikuru Suzuki of Japan in action against James Richardson of England in her First Round match during Day Three of the 2020 William Hill World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on December 15, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
After an early 151 checkout, Suzuki missed four darts on the first set (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
James Richardson shakes hands after winning against Mikuru Suzuki during day three of the William Hill World Championships at Alexandra Palace, London. (Photo by Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)
But after five consecutive victories, she lost on the final deciding set. (Photo by Steven Paston/PA Images via Getty Images)

But on the final leg, with victory within touching distance, she fell to defeat.

Speaking through an interpreter Suzuki, who claimed her first BDO women's crown last year, said: "The crowd cheering me made me very happy, I will be back next year."

England’s Fallon Sherrock, the other female in the championships, faces Ted Evetts on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Hungarian Daniela Bata-Bogdanov became the first female stage official in the tournament’s history.

Featured from our writers:

Yahoo Sport UK presents Tailgate