Beau Greaves has long been a dominant force in women’s darts, and she has now etched her name into the sport’s history books with a performance she describes as featuring "the three best darts I have ever thrown." The 22‑year‑old from Doncaster made headlines on Monday when she clinched the Players Championship 11 title on the PDC Pro Tour, defeating Michael Smith 8‑7 in a nail‑biting final. In doing so, she became the first female competitor to secure a PDC ranking event victory, a milestone that has resonated throughout the darts community. Greaves’ path to the trophy was nothing short of spectacular.
Over the course of a week in Milton Keynes, she recorded seven consecutive wins, each match showcasing her composure and scoring power. The climax of her run came in the deciding leg of the final, where she executed a stunning 142 checkout against the seasoned professional known as "Bully Boy" Smith.
That finish, a treble 20, treble 20, double 11, was the moment she later referred to as three of the best darts she has ever thrown, underscoring the significance of the achievement. Her campaign was also marked by a series of high‑profile victories.
The two‑time Women’s World Matchplay champion dispatched three former world champions in succession: Rob Cross, Gary Anderson, and finally Michael Smith. Overcoming such elite opposition not only demonstrated Greaves’ technical skill but also her mental resilience, especially as the competition intensified with each round. Reflecting on the experience, Greaves admitted the reality of her win was still sinking in.
"It’s absolutely amazing. I’m still in a bit of shock, but this is something I’ll remember forever," she told Sky Sports.
She added that the feeling of waking up the morning after the final was one of calm satisfaction: "I felt really chilled and comfortable, just happy to be playing the game I love." When asked about the pressure of facing multiple world champions back‑to‑back, Greaves explained that the challenge made the victory even sweeter. "The further you get, the tougher the opponents become, and beating three world champions in a row made it extra special," she said. She emphasized that the final checkout was, in her view, the best three‑dart sequence of her career, a moment that felt almost cinematic.
Despite the historic nature of her triumph, Greaves chose a modest celebration. While many would have headed to a pub or organized a large gathering, she opted for a low‑key night in her hotel room.
"I was invited to go out, but I said no. I went back to the hotel, had a slice of pizza, a hot chocolate, and went to bed. I called my family, and that was enough for me," she explained, highlighting her grounded approach to success.
Greaves’ achievements extend beyond this singular victory. As the runner‑up at the World Youth Championship, she has transitioned smoothly into life as a PDC Tour Card holder.
Her recent win brings her within £4,000 of the provisional qualification spots for October’s World Grand Prix, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Additionally, she has recorded two nine‑dart finishes in 2026, the latest occurring on the Development Tour on a Friday, underscoring her consistent high‑level performance.
When discussing her preparation, Greaves noted that she has been working harder than ever, but she also stresses the importance of enjoying the sport. "The Pro Tour is the level I’ve wanted to reach for a while, and I’m finally getting solid results. Hitting my first nine‑darter on the Tour was incredibly special.
I’m just really happy right now and enjoying life," she said. She reiterated that she feels fortunate to earn a living playing darts and tries not to let pressure overwhelm her, especially given her role as a trailblazer for women in a traditionally male‑dominated arena.
Greaves is acutely aware of the responsibility she carries for the next generation of female players. She wants to “fly the flag” for young girls, offering them a visible role model. "There is more pressure in a way, but I always focus on myself. Fallon Sherrock had her moment, and now I’m trying to create my own legacy for the girls watching," she explained.
Her ambition is to keep delivering big moments that inspire others, even if the path to the Premier League remains a distant goal. Speaking about future aspirations, Greaves acknowledged that a Premier League spot would likely require a World Championship title. "I never thought I’d win my first ranking title, let alone a major one, so I’m just 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," she said with characteristic optimism. The darts world now watches to see how far Greaves can push the boundaries of what’s possible for women in the sport.
Her historic win, combined with her humility, work ethic, and desire to inspire, positions her as a pivotal figure in the ongoing evolution of darts. As the Premier League approaches, fans can expect Greaves to continue challenging conventions, aiming for more titles, and perhaps one day securing a place among the elite in the Premier League itself.