Beau Greaves has long been a dominant force in women’s darts, and she has now etched her name into the record books on the PDC Pro Tour with what she describes as three of her "best darts ever." The 22‑year‑old from Doncaster made history on Monday by becoming the first woman to claim a PDC ranking title, edging Michael Smith 8‑7 in the Players Championship 11 final after a dramatic week in Milton Keynes. Greaves stormed through seven consecutive matches, culminating in a nerve‑wracking deciding leg where she hit a spectacular 142 checkout against the fan‑favorite known as "Bully Boy." That finish secured a landmark victory and underscored her growing stature in a sport that has traditionally been male‑dominated. The two‑time Women’s World Matchplay champion dismantled three former world champions on her way to the trophy, dispatching Rob Cross, Gary Anderson and finally Michael Smith in the closing three rounds.
When asked to reflect on the achievement, Greaves admitted the reality of the moment was still sinking in. She highlighted the final throw – a treble 20, treble 20, double 11 – as the three darts that will forever stand out as the finest of her career. "It is absolutely amazing. I am still in a bit of shock now but it is something I can look back on and remember forever," she told Sky Sports.
"I am chuffed and it will take me a while to get over it." Greaves described her mindset on the day of the final as unusually relaxed. "When I woke up that morning I felt really chilled and comfortable. I was just happy and enjoying the games I was playing," she said. She added that the deeper she went into the tournament, the tougher the opposition became, making the feat of beating three world champions consecutively all the more special.
"The finish at the end was probably the best three darts I have ever thrown," she continued. "Sometimes moments like that just happen and I had my day that day. I played really well and shocked myself.
I was definitely nervous but luckily I got through it." Unlike many athletes who throw extravagant celebrations after such a milestone, Greaves kept her post‑victory routine modest. When invited to a pub celebration, she declined, opting instead for a quiet night back at her hotel. "I went back to the hotel, had a slice of pizza, a hot chocolate and went to bed.
I rang my family and that was good enough for me," she explained, emphasizing that personal connection mattered more than public fanfare. The World Youth Championship runner‑up has adapted seamlessly to life as a PDC Tour Card holder.
Her recent triumph brings her within £4,000 of the provisional qualification spots for October’s World Grand Prix, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. In addition, Greaves has already recorded two nine‑dart finishes in 2026, the latest coming on the Development Tour last Friday. She attributes these milestones to a combination of intensified practice, a refreshed mental approach, and a genuine enjoyment of the game. "The Pro Tour is the level I have wanted to be at for a while and I seem to be performing well, getting good results and deep runs," Greaves said.
"To hit my first nine‑darter there as well was really special. I am just really happy at the moment as well. I am really enjoying life.
I have always said I feel extremely lucky to play darts for a living and that comes into it. I just try and enjoy my life while I am young and not stress myself out too much." As a trailblazer accumulating historic moments in a sport still dominated by men, Greaves acknowledges the added pressure that comes with being a role model. She remains focused on her own game, hoping to inspire more young girls to pick up a dart. "There is more pressure in a way but I have always tried to concentrate on myself," she said.
"Fallon (Sherrock) had her time and I have come along and I am trying to do that as well. I am trying to fly the flag for young girls out there. I probably feel more pressure that way. I just want to be successful and give young girls someone to look up to.
I just try and play my game and enjoy everything I play in." When asked about potential Premier League ambitions, Greaves was realistic yet optimistic. "I would probably need to win the World Darts Championship to get into the Premier League," she noted. "I never thought I would win my first ranking title now, if ever, so I am just going to enjoy the moment, get back to practicing, and work hard. If I keep going the way I am, you never know where I might end up." Greaves’s story is not only about personal triumph but also about shifting the narrative for women in darts.
By breaking barriers, delivering clutch performances, and maintaining humility off the oche, she is paving the way for a new generation of female players. Her journey illustrates how dedication, mental resilience, and a love for the sport can combine to produce historic outcomes. Looking ahead, the darts calendar remains packed.
Luke Humphries will defend his Premier League title, and fans can follow the weekly Thursday action on Sky Sports. For those eager to stream the competition, NOW offers live coverage of Premier League Darts, alongside a suite of other top‑level sporting events. Greaves, meanwhile, will continue to chase further milestones, hoping that each new achievement will inspire more young girls to pick up a dart and dream of making history themselves.