DARTS: Hedman sets sights on world title bid (From Bicester Advertiser)

DARTS: Hedman sets sights on world title bid

10:20am Saturday 5th January 2013 in Sport By Russell Smith, Sports reporter specialising in horse racing. Call me on 01865 425453

Oxfordshire's Deta Hedman believes she’ll take all the beating as she bids to go one better than last year at the Lakeside Country Club, Frimley Green.

The world No 1, who was beaten 2-1 by Russia’s Anastasia Dobromyslova 12 months ago, takes on England teammate Lisa Ashton in the opening quarter-final tonight (9.30).

And ‘The Dark Destroyer’ is in confident mood following a year in which she has won a string of titles, including the German, Poland, Scottish and Welsh opens plus the England and British classics.

“I honestly want to win every match and event I play in,” said the 53-year-old postal worker. “Darts is all on the day, but if I play well I will take a lot of beating.

“To win this event would make me a very happy lady.”

Ashton is ranked England No 1 ahead of No 2 Hedman, who tours more to claim her world standing, and the Oxfordshire captain is expecting her to provide tough opposition.

“Lisa is an awesome player,” she said. “This year we have had some great battles. I think I’m 4-3 up on head-to-heads this season. “Our games are always of a good standard, but I just want to win.”

Hedman, who lives at Witham, goes into the championship as the 11-4 favourite.

But she added: “All the other ladies have beaten me before as I have beaten them – it’s a very open contest.”