DETA Hedman missed out on a place in her fourth BDO World Championship final as she lost 2-0 to Lisa Ashton at the Lakeside Country Club.

The Oxfordshire player, who made a lightening start to take a two-leg lead, was beaten 3-2, 3-2 by the defending champion.

Ashton missed four match darts as Hedman, who is still searching for her first Lakeside title, battled to stay in the semi-final clash before eventually succumbing.

The three-time champion looked to apply the early pressure, but the World No 1 broke her opponents’ throw with a brilliant check-out of 118.

Hedman then comfortably held, but missed six darts to win the set 3-0, before Ashton reduced the deficit from an unlikely position and went on to level at 2-2.

The Oxon county player was left to rue the earlier misses as her opponent took full advantage to hold her throw and win the set.

Hedman had lost her way after averaging more than 100 over the first two legs.

And she missed a shot at double five to hold her throw at the beginning of the second set as Ashton hit double eight to break.

The No 4 seed then easily opened up a two-leg lead, but missed two darts for the match as Hedman hit back.

Ashton failed with another chance to wrap up victory in the fourth leg, and the World No 1 took advantage to level the set at 2-2 with double ten.

Hedman survived another dart for the match, but then missed two to take the set, before her opponent finally secured victory to reach the final.