GEMMA HAYTER is ready for her long-awaited World Darts Championship debut – and insists she is not just there to make up the numbers.
The 32-year-old returned from a long-term hiatus 18 months ago after previously claiming there was a lack of opportunity in the women’s game.
She has since enjoyed a complete resurgence, which recently culminated in her booking a place at the World Championship for the very first time.
Hayter did so by reaching the final of a Women’s Series event in Wigan at the weekend.
She suffered a 5-0 defeat to rising star Beau Greaves on the day, but did enough to qualify for Ally Pally.
Hayter told Darts World after the event: “It hasn’t sunken in yet! I didn’t get back home from Wigan until 11pm last night, and I was up for work at 5am so I haven’t had chance to process it all yet.
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“It’s huge for me. I only started playing again last January, so it’s been a real rollercoaster. It’s the biggest achievement I’ve had. It’s massive.”
Asked how she felt about appearing on the biggest stage in the sport, she continued: “I’ve never been there!
“I’d like to go and soak up the atmosphere before I play would be good. Just to think about being there is mind-blowing.
“It would be interesting if I draw one of the big players. It would also be funny if I drew Adam Lipscombe if he qualifies as we are really good friends!
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“I’ll be really proud to be there. I just want everything to go well, and I want to play well.
“We want to show that women aren’t there to make the numbers up and we can play well.
“It’s a chance to show that there is a pathway for women if they want to play at the highest level.
“The (Luke) Littler effect has been massive for the boys, but not so huge for the girls, so it’s important that we show we can play.”
Greaves extended her incredible winning streak in the Women’s Series to 86 games at the weekend.
The last match she lost on the circuit was against Hayter in April.
World Championship debutant Hayter is now looking to make her mark at Ally Pally in December and compete with her main rival.
And she is taking inspiration from 2024 winner Luke Humphries going into the event.
She explained: “I took time out as I didn’t feel there was a lot out there for the women.
“Seeing Luke Humphries win the World title in 2024, it inspired me to come back.
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“Seeing someone you know do so well and fulfilling their dream was really inspiring.
“My sponsors and management have been great in getting me to where I am too, and I’ve gone from strength to strength.”
