Beau Greaves has long been a dominant force in women’s darts, and she has now added a historic milestone to her résumé on the PDC Pro Tour by delivering what she describes as the three best darts of her career. On Monday, she became the first female player to capture a PDC ranking title, edging out Michael Smith 8-7 in a thrilling final at Players Championship 11. The 22‑year‑old from Doncaster navigated a grueling week in Milton Keynes, winning seven consecutive matches, and capped her run with a dramatic deciding‑leg finish that featured a 142 checkout against the fan‑favorite "Bully Boy".
This moment will be remembered as a landmark achievement in the sport’s history. Greaves’ path to the trophy was anything but easy.
She dispatched a trio of former world champions in the latter stages of the tournament – first Rob Cross, then Gary Anderson, and finally Michael Smith in the championship match. The two‑time Women’s World Matchplay champion said the experience still feels surreal, but she can clearly picture the three darts that sealed her victory: a treble 20, another treble 20, and a double 11 to finish the leg.
"It’s absolutely amazing. I’m still in a bit of shock, but it’s something I’ll remember forever," she told Sky Sports. "I’m chuffed, and it will take a while for me to fully absorb it." When asked about her emotions after the win, Greaves described a calm, almost detached reaction. She declined an invitation to celebrate at a pub, opting instead for a quiet night back at her hotel where she enjoyed a slice of pizza, a hot chocolate, and a phone call to her family.
"I was happy just to be home and to share the news with my loved ones," she said. The low‑key celebration underscored her focus on the sport rather than the spectacle.
Beyond the historic title, Greaves has continued to make headlines throughout the season. She recently recorded a second nine‑dart finish on the Development Tour, bringing her total to two perfect legs in 2026. That achievement, combined with her steady adaptation to life as a PDC Tour Card holder, has moved her within £4,000 of the provisional qualification spots for the World Grand Prix later this year. In her own words, the Pro Tour represents the level she has been chasing for years, and she feels she is finally delivering the results she expected.
"I’ve been working harder than ever and pushing my limits, but I’m also enjoying life more than I ever have," Greaves explained. "I feel incredibly lucky to make a living playing darts, and I try not to stress myself out.
I want to savour these moments while I’m young." She emphasized that the joy of competing outweighs any pressure that comes with being a trailblazer in a traditionally male‑dominated sport. "There is more pressure now because I’m representing young girls who want to see themselves succeed in darts," she said. "I try to stay focused on my own game and fly the flag for them." Greaves also reflected on the legacy of Fallon Sherrock, who broke barriers a few years earlier.
"Fallon had her time, and now I’m trying to do the same for the next generation," she noted. "I feel a responsibility to give young girls a role model, and that adds a different kind of pressure, but it’s a pressure I welcome." Looking ahead, Greaves hinted at ambitious goals without over‑promising.
When asked whether she aspires to join the Premier League, she admitted that a World Championship win would likely be the ticket. "Never say never, but I still have a distance to travel before I could claim a Premier League spot," she said.
"If I keep improving the way I am, who knows where I might end up?" In addition to her personal aspirations, Greaves is mindful of the broader impact her success can have on the sport. She hopes her achievements will inspire more girls to pick up a dart and pursue it seriously, gradually shifting the gender balance in professional darts. "I just want to play my game, enjoy every match, and give others something to look up to," she concluded.
Meanwhile, the Premier League itself continues to draw attention, with Luke Humphries defending his title and fans able to watch the action every Thursday on Sky Sports. For now, Beau Greaves is content to relish her historic win, continue refining her craft, and chase the next big moment that will further cement her place in darts history.