Jump directly to the content
I'D LOVA WIN

Anastasia Dobromyslova aiming to bring girl power to the World Darts Championship

Russia’s three-time women’s world champ has been drawn against Brit Ryan Joyce in the first round of the tournament

ANASTASIA DOBROMYSLOVA is aiming to bring some girl power to Ally Pally.

Russia’s three-time women’s world champ has been drawn against Brit Ryan Joyce in the first round of the William Hill World Darts Championship, which begins on December 13.

 Anastasia Dobromyslova is aiming to chalk up a win for women everywhere
3
Anastasia Dobromyslova is aiming to chalk up a win for women everywhereCredit: Getty Images - Getty

No woman has beaten a man at the BDO or William Hill world champs.

But Cheshire-based Dobromyslova, 34, said: “To beat a man at the world championship would be one of the best days of my life apart from having a baby and getting married.

“And it would be nice to believe in myself again because I didn’t have a great season.

“Will all the pressure be on my opponent? I hope so! Pressure is all in your head, and if you’re drawn against me you’ll have to deal with it.

 Anastasia Dobromyslova poses with world champion Rob Cross
3
Anastasia Dobromyslova poses with world champion Rob CrossCredit: PA:Press Association

“Obviously I don't want to put too much pressure on myself – I want to do myself justice and play my best.

“But what’s the worst thing that could happen? I could lose, but so what? I’m already in the history books, so I’ve got nothing to lose.”

Lisa Ashton, the four-time women’s world champion, takes on Dutchman Jan Dekker in the first round.

 The Russian is hoping to become the first woman to win at a world championship event
3
The Russian is hoping to become the first woman to win at a world championship eventCredit: PA:Press Association

Holland’s world No 1 Michael van  Gerwen will face the winner of  the first-round clash between Alan  Tabern or Australian Raymond Smith.

Defending champ Rob Cross  plays on the opening night against either Dutchman Jeffrey de Zwaan or Indian Nitin Kumar.

Darts player Gary Anderson denies he farted on stage as Wesley Harms accuse him of stinky smell