Anastasia Dobromyslova lost to Fallon Sherrock in the British Darts Organisation World Championship semi-finals on Friday.
Three-time world champion Dobromyslova threw an average of 80.46 but her opponent bettered that with 84.75 to progress with a 2-1 victory.
Dobromyslova, who lives in Ellesmere Port, lost at the same stage last year and her wait for a fourth world title, having won in 2008, 2011 and 2012, goes on.
She missed some crucial doubles but 20-year-old Sherrock, of Milton Keynes, hit five 180s to set up a final against defending champion Lisa Ashton.
Dobromyslova, who had won 13 titles in 2014, looked in good shape on the Lakeside stage after beating German's Irina Armstrong in the first round and eased past seventh seed Zoe Jones in the quarter-finals.
She had the chance to take the opening set off Sherrock against the throw but missed darts at tops, D10 and D5, allowing her opponent to move in and take the opening set.
Dobromyslova responded well and won the second set, however Sherrock stepped up her game in the third and deciding set.
She hit two 180s and again took advantage of missed doubles from Dobromyslova and Sherrock moved to within one leg of the final.
Dobromyslova missed a dart at the bull for a 124 to keep herself in the game and Sherrock took out D13 to seal the win.
