Anastasia Dobromyslova’s dream of regaining her Lakeside World Championship is still very much alive!
The Unicorn star has enjoyed a terrific two weeks, winning two ‘Major’ tournaments and rising up to No.7 in the World rankings after returning to the BDO only a few months ago.
At the weekend, she won the prestigious International Open at Brean Sands – beating Deta Hedman 3-2 in a thrilling final…..the Russian ace averaged an impressive 93 and won the deciding leg against the throw to claim the title.
Along the way, she had beaten the likes of Sue Gulliver, Trina Gulliver and Julie Gore.
“I always said that getting to the Lakeside and the World Championship was my goal for this year and if I can keep on performing well and winning these big events, I will get there!” Anastasia said.
She is still on course to qualify through the ranking system, but would also win a place at the Lakeside if she won the World Masters and there is also the qualifying event…..and the way that Anastasia is playing at the moment, she is certainly the lady to beat.
Refreshed from a two-week holiday in Cuba with husband Tony Martin, Anastasia came back to win the European Championship in Benidorm at the end of May and her impressive form at the International Open shows that she is getting back to her very best.
There are still half-a-dozen events to go before the cut off for the World Championship and consistency will be the key, with the likes of the England Open and British Classic still to come this year.
Then in September, Ana will be going for World Cup glory when the tournament is staged in Ireland.
• Meanwhile, Unicorn’s other ladies star Irina Armstrong is also celebrating after winning the recent Swiss Open…..Irina beat Switzerland’s Fiona Gaylor in the final and then teamed up with Karina Kanzig to win the pair’s event.
By STUART PYKE (twitter @stuartpykesport)
Photo courtesy Lawrence Lustig / PDC