Beau Greaves has long been a dominant force in women's darts, and she has now etched her name into the sport’s record books with a trio of darts she describes as the "best she has ever thrown." The 22‑year‑old from Doncaster achieved a historic milestone on the PDC Pro Tour by becoming the first woman to capture a PDC ranking title. She secured a dramatic 8‑7 win over Michael Smith in the final of Players Championship 11, held on Monday in Milton Keynes. Greaves’ path to the trophy was a relentless run of seven straight victories, each match testing her skill and composure.
The climax came in a nail‑biting deciding leg where she finished on a spectacular 142 checkout against the fan‑favorite "Bully Boy" Smith, sealing a win that will be remembered as a landmark moment for darts and for gender equality in the sport. The Doncaster native, a two‑time Women’s World Matchplay champion, dispatched three former world champions in the latter stages of the event – Rob Cross, Gary Anderson and finally Michael Smith. After the match, Greaves admitted that the experience was still sinking in, but she could clearly picture the three darts that clinched the title: two treble‑20s followed by a double‑11.
"Those were three incredible darts," she told Sky Sports, adding that the memory would stay with her forever. "It’s absolutely amazing. I’m still in a bit of shock, but it’s something I can look back on and remember for the rest of my life," Greaves said. "I’m thrilled and it will take me a while to fully absorb it." When asked about her feelings in the moments after the victory, she described a calm, almost surreal state.
"When I woke up that morning I felt really relaxed and comfortable. I was just happy and enjoying the darts I was playing," she recalled. As the competition intensified and the opposition grew tougher, beating three world champions consecutively made the achievement feel even more special.
"The finish at the end was probably the best three darts I have ever thrown," she affirmed. Greaves’ celebration was modest compared with the exuberant parties that often follow such breakthroughs. When invited to a pub celebration, she politely declined. "I went back to the hotel, had a slice of pizza, a hot chocolate, and went to bed," she explained.
She did, however, call her family to share the news, saying that was more than enough for her. Beyond this landmark win, Greaves continues to thrive as a PDC Tour Card holder.
The runner‑up in the World Youth Championship has adapted seamlessly to life on the professional circuit, and 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 2026 she also recorded two nine‑dart finishes, the latest achieved on the Development Tour on a Friday night. She attributes her progress to hard work and a renewed focus on enjoyment. "The Pro Tour is the level I’ve wanted to be at for a while, and I seem to be delivering good results and deep runs," Greaves said.
"Hitting my first nine‑darter on the Pro Tour was incredibly special. I’m just really happy right now and I’m loving life." Greaves acknowledges the pressure that comes with being a trailblazer in a traditionally male‑dominated sport. Yet she chooses to channel that pressure into motivation rather than anxiety.
"There is more pressure in a way, but I always try to concentrate on myself," she explained. "Fallon Sherrock had her moment, and I’m here to create my own. I want to fly the flag for young girls who love darts." Her ambition extends beyond individual titles. While a Premier League spot remains a distant dream, she knows what it would take.
"I would probably need to win the World Darts Championship to get into the Premier League," she said. "I never imagined I’d win my first ranking title, but I’m going to enjoy this moment, get back to practice, and keep working hard. If I keep progressing the way I am, you never know where I might end up." Greaves’ story is not just about personal triumph; it signals a broader shift in darts.
Her success demonstrates that women can compete at the highest level and win against the sport’s elite. By staying grounded, focusing on her own game, and embracing the responsibility of being a role model, she hopes to inspire the next generation of female players. Looking ahead, Greaves plans to maintain her momentum, continue refining her technique, and seek further historic moments.
Whether she adds more titles, more nine‑dart finishes, or eventually a Premier League invitation, her dedication to the sport and her desire to represent young girls in darts remain at the core of her journey. Fans can follow the unfolding drama of the Premier League Darts, where defending champion Luke Humphries will be looking to retain his crown, with matches broadcast every Thursday until May on Sky Sports. For those who want to stream darts and other top‑level sports, the NOW platform offers live coverage and highlights.