BOLTON’S Lisa Ashton is confident she can again rise to the occasion on the big stage and retain her Ladies World Darts Championship crown this month.

The mother-of-two from Johnson Fold heads south to Surrey today with her bid to defend her title starting tomorrow afternoon against up-and-coming Welsh darter Rhian Griffiths.

Ashton, who also won the world title in 2014 and 2015, admits the competition is getting tougher each year.

But she has prepared well and is relishing the chance to get on the big stage again at the famous Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green in front of a packed crowd and the live television cameras.

And daughter Danielle, who also plays, is travelling to support her mum as she looks to bring the trophy back home to Bolton once more.

Ashton told The Bolton News: “Everything has gone well in preparation and I am confident I have done all I can to be ready to defend my title.

“I have been putting in a lot of practice every day and feel ready for it.

“I know that, as reigning champion, everyone will be gunning to beat me but I just have to concentrate on my own game and hopefully it will be enough.

“It will not be easy as each year the level is getting harder as more ladies are playing now than ever.

“There are younger women, like Rhian, coming through and the bar is being raised all the time.

“But that can be a good thing as well because it makes you raise your game.

“Danielle is coming down with me but Lindsey is staying in Bolton with her two-year-old daughter.”

Ashton, nicknamed ‘The Lancashire Rose’, plays her first match tomorrow against 23-year-old Griffiths having had a positive year on the circuit.

She won the Jersey Open in November, The French Open in August and also the Women’s Hal Open in Holland in spring.

However, she is not taking her opponent from Port Talbot lightly, having lost twice to her in five meetings to date.

She added: “I have played Rhian a few times and they have been good games.

“It will be difficult but they are all tough opponents at the World Championships.

“I am happy with my form this year.

“I have played a few tournaments and won a few so hopefully I can start this year off the same.”