Darts: Anastacia Dobromyslova knocked out of UK Open after training with Amir Khan

Jun 10 2009 Ellesmere Port Pioneer

DESPITE enlisting the help of boxer Amir Khan, Anastacia Dobromyslova suffered an early knockout at the Blue Square UK Open in Bolton.

The Russian arrowsmith, who lives in Ellesmere Port with husband Tony Martin, is six months into her first year as a professional darts player on the male-dominated PDC circuit.

And though there is disappointment at her first-round exit from the FA Cup of darts, she has not proved the whipping girl players like Eric Bristow predicted when she first turned pro.

As well as winning her seventh Russian Darts Championship earlier this year, she has seen off the likes of former world champion Steve Beaton in competition and recently signed a sponsorship deal with major darts supplier Unicorn.

“You don't have to have a hairy chest to play darts at this level,” said Anastacia, 24, as she was unveiled as Unicorn’s latest signing. “It’s all about being competitive and improving.”

Before the UK Open, Anastacia, who formerly practiced kickboxing, went to Khan’s gym in Bolton to train with his brother Haroon in the hope it may give her an edge in the £200,000 tournament. But she fell at the hands of qualifier Andy Roberts 6-2.