The remarkable victory of Beau Greaves over Luke Littler at the PDC World Youth Championships last October marked a significant milestone in her career. However, the media coverage that followed often overshadowed her achievement by focusing on her gender, with headlines such as 'Littler beaten by a woman' and 'Littler suffers shock defeat in Battle of the Sexes.' This narrative has been a double-edged sword, according to Sky Sports pundit and pro player Laura Turner, as it brings attention to female players but also detracts from their skills and accomplishments. Greaves' win was a defining moment, not just because she was the first woman to reach the World Youth Final, but also due to her remarkable triumph over a dominant player like Littler.

Turner reflected on the trailblazing exploits of players like Lisa Ashton, the first woman to win a tour card at Q-School, and Fallon Sherrock, the first woman to win a match at the PDC World Darts Championship. Before Greaves, Anastasia Dobromyslova made history by becoming the first woman to beat a male professional on TV in the Grand Slam of Darts in 2009.

Turner noted that the narrative around female players has shifted over time, from 'wow, it's a woman playing darts against men' to simply acknowledging their skills as dart players. Greaves has expressed her desire to help other women follow in her footsteps, stating that exposure to bigger players and names on a regular basis is crucial for their growth. The 'Battle of the Sexes' phrase has seen a resurgence in recent months, with tennis players Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios competing in an exhibition match.

However, in darts, women are competing on a level playing field, and Turner wants fans to appreciate their skills without focusing solely on their gender. Female players like Greaves, Ashton, and Sherrock have managed to cope with the pressure of being in the spotlight, including dealing with dartitis, a psychological condition that can impact performance. Turner credits these players for remaining grounded and working through their struggles, and believes that their success will pave the way for future generations of female dart players.