In the electrifying world of darts, where precision meets passion under the bright lights of packed arenas, a new chapter is unfolding for one of the sport’s rising stars. Just days after delivering a stunning upset against teenage sensation Luke Littler, Beau Greaves has made a bold decision that could reshape her career and the landscape of professional darts. The 21-year-old from Doncaster, already a dominant force in women’s darts, has confirmed her participation in the upcoming PDC World Darts Championship at London’s iconic Alexandra Palace, marking her return to the prestigious event after a two-year absence.
The drama began earlier this week at the World Youth Championship, where Greaves faced off against Littler in a semi-final clash that had fans on the edge of their seats. Littler, fresh off his dominant victory at the World Grand Prix—where he dismantled rival Luke Humphries 6-1 to claim his seventh televised major PDC title—entered the match as the overwhelming favorite. Averaging an impressive 107.4, the young prodigy seemed poised to cruise through. But Greaves, showcasing her trademark resilience and skill, mounted a remarkable comeback. Trailing 4-2 and then 5-4, she rallied to force a last-leg decider. In a breathtaking finish, Greaves unleashed an 11-dart leg, sealing the 6-5 victory with a clinical 84 checkout. It was a performance that not only denied Littler a shot at two finals in one day but also highlighted her ability to compete at the highest levels against top male players.
Littler, gracious in defeat, took to social media to laud his opponent’s prowess. “I had two 10-dart legs, missed D12 for a nine, and still couldn’t win,” he posted. “Fair play to Beau Greaves, all the best in Minehead, some talent.” His words underscored the respect brewing in the darts community for Greaves, who has long been a trailblazer. This wasn’t just any win—it was a statement. Littler even defended Greaves against online detractors, sharply rebuking a sexist comment suggesting women shouldn’t compete against men with a pointed, “Are you high?”
Greaves’ triumph comes on the heels of her securing a PDC Tour Card for the 2026/2027 seasons, a milestone that positions her as the first woman to do so since Lisa Ashton, who faced challenges adapting to the PDC ranks. With this card in hand, Greaves’ management team at Opus Sports Management wasted no time in announcing her intentions. “After securing her tour card for 2026/2027, and after much speculation, we are excited to officially announce that Beau will be competing in the PDC World Championship 2025/26,” the statement read. “After an incredible year on the various PDC circuits, and with next year becoming a huge one ahead, it was the decision that made the most sense for Beau and one that is fully supported by all of us at Opus. We cannot wait to see her back on the famous Ally Pally stage.”
This choice, however, comes with sacrifices. By committing to the PDC event, Greaves will forfeit the opportunity to defend her WDF Women’s World Championship title, a crown she has claimed three times in recent years, including a commanding performance that netted her a £25,000 prize. PDC regulations strictly prohibit players from participating in both the PDC World Championship and the WDF women’s event, a rule that effectively sidelined her from Alexandra Palace for the past two seasons. Greaves has been vocal about her frustration with this policy, calling it a barrier to the growth of the women’s game. “I think it’s a stupid decision by the PDC,” she said previously. “The ladies’ game is massive to me. I wanted to be a women’s world champion and I got that at Lakeside, so I can’t not go back. I don’t know why people would think I wouldn’t do that. The game is not just made up of me, Fallon [Sherrock], Lisa [Ashton] and whoever. There is a whole bunch of us that need to get better. Hopefully other ladies can get involved and back each other… I just want the ladies’ game to get bigger and bigger. I am more for that sort of stuff. They deserve it. As nice as the men are to watch on telly, there is room for the ladies. There are 100, 200 players who want to play but don’t think they are good enough for the men’s game. I want to make sure I am flying the flag for them who don’t get mentioned. It’s a shame they make you choose [Ally Pally or Lakeside]. I don’t understand that, I think it’s stupid. I’d love to do both. I wouldn’t win Ally Pally but I’d give it a good crack and see if I played well – but ultimately I want to be a ladies’ world champion.”
Her decision ripples beyond her own career, creating opportunities for others. By qualifying for the PDC Worlds through the Development Tour, Greaves has opened a spot on the Women’s Series circuit, allowing Fallon Sherrock to secure her place at the event—her sixth appearance. Sherrock, a pioneering figure who made history in 2019 as the first woman to win a match at the World Championship, expressed her delight online: “Really pleased to be going back to Ally Pally. See you all there!” This comes at a pivotal time for Sherrock, who has battled kidney disease for over a decade, a condition that began shortly after the birth of her son in 2014. The 31-year-old has openly discussed the challenges, including side effects from medication that led to physical changes and online criticism. “About six months after I had my little boy in April 2014, I ended up getting a kidney disease,” she shared. “I started to feel unwell. I didn’t know what was going on until I was diagnosed. It was a worrying time. I started taking medication to weaken my immune system because that is what was attacking my kidneys. The problem was when I went on different medication, I suffered side effects which caused ‘moon face’, where my face swelled up. It was a reaction.” Despite these hurdles, Sherrock remains resilient, constantly hydrating during matches to support her health. She plans a break from darts in 2026 to focus on her well-being, making her upcoming Ally Pally appearance all the more significant.
As Greaves prepares to step back onto the Ally Pally stage—where she last competed in 2023, falling 3-0 to William O’Connor in the first round—she carries the weight of expectations and the thrill of possibility. Her averages in the 100s and her unflinching composure against elite competition suggest she could go deep in the tournament, potentially facing Littler again in a rematch that would captivate audiences. In a sport often dominated by male narratives, Greaves is not just competing; she’s inspiring a new generation of players, proving that talent knows no gender boundaries. With the World Championship kicking off on December 11, all eyes will be on this young dynamo as she aims to etch her name into darts history. Whether she claims the ultimate prize or not, her journey is already a testament to determination, skill, and the evolving spirit of the game.
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