BOLTON darting champion Lisa Ashton saw her dreams of PDC world championship success thwarted at the first-round stage last night.

The Lancashire Rose was up against Netherlands thrower Ron Meulenkamp in her third appearance at Alexandra Palace in London on day two of the championships, but went down 3 sets to 0 to exit the competition.

Meulenkamp took the first leg but four-time women’s world champion Ashton levelled on double four after her opponent missed four darts at double 16.

Then it was Ashton’s turn to miss doubles to break the throw in leg three and the Dutchman went on to win the first set 3-1.

Meulenkamp started set two with a 12-dart leg and kicked on to win three straight legs and take the set.

Another leg went to Meulenkamp in set three before he squandered several darts at a double to allow Ashton a second leg on the board with a double-five finish.

But two more legs for the Dutch star sealed his victory as he ended with an 87-point average.