Beau Greaves has long been a dominant figure in women's darts, and she has now etched her name into the sport’s history books with a series of unforgettable throws on the PDC Pro Tour. The 22‑year‑old from Doncaster made headlines when she became the first woman ever to capture a PDC ranking title, edging out Michael Smith 8‑7 in the final of Players Championship 11 on Monday.
That victory was sealed with a dramatic deciding‑leg finish that saw Greaves hit a 142 checkout – a moment she later described as three of the best darts she has ever thrown. Greaves’ run in Milton Keynes was nothing short of spectacular. She won seven consecutive matches, navigating a field that included three former world champions in the last three rounds: Rob Cross, Gary Anderson and Michael Smith.
Each of those encounters tested her skill and composure, but the Doncaster native emerged triumphant each time, demonstrating that she can compete with the very best in the sport regardless of gender. When asked to reflect on the achievement, Greaves admitted the reality of the win was still sinking in. "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.
She added that the final’s finishing combination – two treble‑20s followed by a double‑11 – felt like the most perfect three‑dart sequence she has ever produced. The emotional high of the moment was tempered by a surprisingly low‑key celebration. While many would have headed straight to a pub or a post‑match party, Greaves chose a quieter route.
"I was invited to go out, but I declined," she said. Instead, she returned to her hotel, ordered a slice of pizza, enjoyed a hot chocolate, and called her family to share the news. "That was enough for me," she explained, underscoring how much the support of loved ones meant to her. Beyond the historic title, Greaves has continued to build on her momentum throughout the season.
She recently recorded a second nine‑dart finish on the Development Tour, bringing her total to two perfect legs in 2026. Those high‑scoring achievements have propelled her within £4,000 of the provisional qualification spots for the World Grand Prix, a tournament that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in October. Greaves attributes her rapid rise to a combination of hard work, a refreshed mindset, and the freedom to enjoy the game.
"The Pro Tour is the level I have wanted to be at for a while, and I seem to be performing well and getting good results," she said. "Hitting my first nine‑darter on the Tour was incredibly special, and I am just really happy at the moment. I feel extremely lucky to play darts for a living, and I try not to stress myself out too much." Her success comes at a time when women are still under‑represented in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
Greaves is keenly aware of the pressure that accompanies her trailblazing role, but she channels that pressure into motivation. "There is more pressure, but I always try to concentrate on myself," she explained. "I want to fly the flag for young girls, give them someone to look up to, and keep creating big moments." Greaves also acknowledges the path paved by earlier pioneers such as Fallon Sherrock.
"Fallon had her time, and I am trying to do the same for the next generation," she said. "I probably feel more pressure that way, but I just want to be successful and inspire young girls to pick up a dart and chase their dreams." When asked about future ambitions, Greaves was realistic yet hopeful about the Premier League. "I would probably need to win the World Darts Championship to get into the Premier League," she admitted.
"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." Her story is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the growing inclusivity of darts. As the sport continues to evolve, Beau Greaves stands as a beacon for aspiring female players, proving that with dedication and belief, historic barriers can be broken.
The next chapter of her career promises further milestones, whether that means more nine‑dart finishes, additional ranking titles, or perhaps one day a place among the elite competitors in the Premier League. For now, fans can relish the memory of that 142 checkout and the three darts that Greaves herself calls the best she has ever thrown, while looking forward to the many more moments she is sure to create on the oche.