LISA Ashton kicks off her World Darts Championship campaign at the Alexandra Palace tonight.

Bolton’s Lancashire Rose, who this year made history as the first woman to win a PDC Pro Tour card, takes on Adam Hunt on darts’ biggest stage this evening.

Returning to the event having lost in the opening round in 2019, the 50-year-old four-times Women’s World Champion takes on a player she has already beaten twice on tour this year.

Chester-le-Street’s Hunt also lost in the first round two years ago on his only other appearance at the World Championships.

The winner goes on to face Jamie Hughes in the second round on Friday afternoon.

Pundit Colin Lloyd believes both Ashton and fellow female player Deta Hedman, who has qualified for the first time, can make an impact at the event this year.

“Lisa and Deta have played on the big stage so I don’t think they will be expecting anything they haven’t seen before,” Lloyd told Sky Sports.

“They have played in the biggest ladies events in the world and Lisa has had the class to be able to play in a good few of the men’s events now.

“Playing in front of the cameras that certainly won’t daunt them, they have miles of experience behind them and I think they will want to play well and play the way they know they can.

“Having done the hard work to get there at the Women’s Series they won’t be put off about who they play and it will be interesting to see who they draw, because if Deta and Lisa play how they can they are going to be very, very dangerous.”

Tonight’s action on Sky Sports starts at 6pm with Ashton’s one of four matches taking place.

There are also four games in the afternoon session from noon.

Last night’s opening games were played in front of fans but the action will be behind closed doors from today.