LISA Ashton made a fine start to her bid to win a fifth BDO World Darts Championship.

Bolton’s Lancashire Rose was a 2-0 winner over Paul Jacklin in her opener at the Indigo at the O2 to move into the quarter-finals.

It was a real change in fortunes from 12 months ago when she lost in the first round to eventual winner Mikuru Suzuki, who this year looks to be Ashton’s main rival for the title following Fallon Sherrock’s high-profile withdrawal.

Against Jacklin, the 49-year-old denied her opponent a single leg as she averaged more than 80, sealing victory with a 110 checkout.

“Very happy to get the win tonight against my good friend Paula Jacklin. Thank you to everyone for your support,” Ashton posted on social media.

“Great to play at this superb venue and even better that I managed to get through the first round this year!”

Ashton, the top seed in the women’s event, will play either Lorraine Winstanley or Casey Gallagher in the last eight on Thursday, the pair meeting on Wednesday afternoon.