The darts player has defended herself against criticism she shouldn't have participated in the competition

Fallon Sherrock has been at the centre of controversy after she was crowned champion of Netflix's 'Beat Luke Littler' competition on Friday night, October 30. The darts player overcame the double world champion in a one-off leg of 501 to claim a massive £501,000 prize.

In recent years, Sherrock has created history by becoming the first woman to win at the World Championship when she made the third round seven years ago and she went on to break several other barriers in the game. Due to her previous success, her participation in the gameshow has attracted criticism.

Defending her decision to participate in the competition, she told Press Association over the weekend: "I mean it's been tough. 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."

Decision to have Sherrock in competition defended

PDC chief Barry Hearn, who was involved in the audition process, also defended the line-up. He said: "Sherrock is not a PDC Tour Card holder. She's entitled to enter. Why should she be denied? She's a well-known player and she's a very good player."

He added: "Do you want just a series of 20 matches where someone can't even throw a dart? No, of course we want excellence competing against excellence, and that's what it was all about."

Littler has offered his support to Sherrock after the incredible victory. On Instagram, he shared a picture of the two together standing near the oche. His caption read: "What an experience. Congrats to Fallon Sherrock for the win. I enjoyed every bit of this process and want to say a massive thank you to Netflix for making this show a reality. Maybe we can do it again next year."

Sherrock has remained in high spirits, despite the ongoing criticism. She took to Instagram yesterday evening to share a selfie of her and Littler together as they smiled at the camera. She told followers: "His card just got declined. I better pay."

Littler's kind words for Sherrock after defeat

Many supportive comments have been sent to the 32-year-old. One comment said: "Smashed it Fallon, well done" and another added "Well done Fallon, so pleased for you."

Other responses were: "Get in Fallon. Ignore the haters lovely, Absolutely chuffed to bits for you" and "Fallon, you kept your nerve with a last dart. Well done under pressure, Luke was three darts away."

Despite the defeat, Littler had kind words to say about Sherrock on Friday evening. He said: "Yeah, she was brilliant. That's what one person had to do, win the bull and go out in 15.

"That's exactly what Fallon did. I hit a 140 to leave 142. When she missed the first going tops, I was like, 'give me a chance' and she didn't, world class.

"I've enjoyed every bit of it. The advert, the photo shoots, everything. It's been good and maybe Netflix we can do it again next year."