BOLTON’S Lisa Ashton came up short in her bid to win a fifth BDO World Championship on Saturday.

The Lancashire Rose was beaten 3-0 by Mikuru Suzuki as the Japanese star made it back-to-back titles.

Ashton, playing in her sixth final in eight years, was looking to reclaim a title she last won in 2018 but after winning the opening leg was second best thereafter.

The 49-year-old top seed led 2-1 in the third set but Suzuki’s double scoring was far superior on the night and she only needed one chance to secure victory.

“The first time I couldn’t believe it and the second time I couldn’t believe it as well,” Suzuki told Eurosport after her victory.

“I wanted to prove last year wasn’t a fluke and I think did, but I’m not sure yet, I don’t think I realise what I’ve done.”

The Bolton News:

Pre-tournament favourite Ashton had not lost a set in advancing through three rounds to reach the final at the Indigo at the O2.

Suzuki had always been her main rival for the title though following rising star Fallon Sherrock’s decision to pull out of the event, Ashton having also lost to the two-time champion in the first round of last year’s event.

She enjoyed a much better run this time around but was edged out by Suzuki in the final in a match that swung on the eventual victor’s finishing.

Ashton in fact had the higher average, 85 compared to 83.39, but missed crucial darts at key moments meaning the Japanese favourite is yet to lose a match at the event having also triumphed on her first appearance in 2019.