BOLTON’S Lisa Ashton exited the Grand Slam of Darts after a 5-2 defeat to Yorkshireman Joe Cullen in her final group game on Tuesday night.

The Lancashire Rose broke throw to take the first leg in Wolverhampton before Cullen won the next two.

But Ashton levelled it at 2-2, taking one dart to hit double 16 and seal a 64 checkout.

However, Cullen won the next three legs in a row to end Ashton’s involvement this year

Ashton lost all three matches against Cullen, Michael van Gerwen and John Henderson but the latter says it was far from easy in his tie.

Scotsman Henderson said: “Lisa is a very good friend of mine.

“As far as I’m concerned, Lisa and Fallon (Sherrock) the women’s status is gone.

“They are now with us men.

“I knew the crowd was going to be with Lisa.

“It was good to get over that line as it was a hard game.”

Ashton will be back on TV screens next month when she takes part in the PDC World Championship.