Trina Gulliver’s chase for an unprecedented tenth 10th women’s BDO World Darts title began with an easy 2 sets to 0 victory over Dutch debutant Anneke Kuijten this afternoon at Lakeside Country Club, Frimley Green, writes Ziad Chaudry.
But the 45-year-old ‘Golden Girl’ from Leamington Spa was not pleased with her performance and admits she will have to be on top form when she plays defending champion from Bolton Lisa Ashton in Thursday’s mouthwatering quarter-final.
“It was bit poor behalf really on my behalf,” Gulliver told BCC’s roving darts reporter Rob Walker. “I was expected to score a bit better and I had far too many loose darts.
“I need to rectify that especially when coming up against Lisa next so I need to sharpen up.”
Ashton, as known on the oche as ‘The Lancashire Rose, 49, began her defence of the title where she left off from 12 months ago by again beating Deta Hedman in a re-run of last year’s Lakeside final.
“She is playing well and she wants to keep hold of her title,” added Gulliver, who is regarded in the sport as the greatest ladies darts player of all time. “But I want to get it off her.”