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 by delivering what she describes as three of the best darts she has ever thrown. At just 22 years old, the Doncaster native achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first woman to claim a PDC ranking title, edging out Michael Smith 8‑7 in the final of Players Championship 11 on Monday.
Greaves’ triumph was the culmination of a remarkable run in Milton Keynes, where she won seven consecutive matches. The climax of that run came in a dramatic deciding‑leg finish, when she hit a 142 checkout against the fan‑favorite Michael "Bully Boy" Smith to seal the victory. The win not only marked a personal breakthrough but also represented a watershed moment for the sport, highlighting the growing competitiveness of women on the traditionally male‑dominated circuit. On her way to the title, the two‑time Women’s World Matchplay champion dispatched three former world champions in succession – Rob Cross, Gary Anderson and finally Smith – underscoring the quality of her performance.
Reflecting on the experience, Greaves admitted that the significance of the achievement has not yet fully sunk in. She recalled the final checkout – T20, T20, D11 – as "three incredible darts" that will stay with her forever.
"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," Greaves told Sky Sports.
"I am chuffed and it will take me a while to get over it." When asked about her emotions on the day, she described a calm, almost carefree feeling. "When I woke up that day I just felt really chilled and really comfortable. I was just happy and enjoying the games I was playing," she said. Greaves added that the difficulty of the competition only amplified the satisfaction of her victory.
"The further you get, the harder the players get and to beat three world champions in a row just made it even more special," she noted. She emphasized that the final three‑dart finish was, in her view, the best she has ever thrown.
"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," she explained.
While many athletes might celebrate such a historic win with a night out, Greaves opted for a low‑key evening. "I did get asked to go to the pub but I said no," she laughed.
"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." Beyond this landmark victory, Greaves has continued to thrive as a PDC Tour Card holder. Her recent success 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, she has recorded two nine‑darters in 2026, the latest of which came on the Development Tour last Friday.
Greaves attributes her progress to a combination of hard work and a balanced mindset. "The Pro Tour is the level that I have wanted to be at for a while and I seem to be performing well and getting good results and runs," she 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." She frequently reminds herself how fortunate she feels to be able to earn a living playing darts.
"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," she added. As one of the few women to achieve such high‑profile successes in a male‑dominated sport, Greaves acknowledges the added pressure that comes with being a role model.
Nevertheless, she remains focused on her own game and on inspiring the next generation of female players. "There is more pressure in a way but I have always tried to concentrate on myself," she explained. "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," Greaves said.
When asked about Premier League ambitions, she 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' story illustrates how dedication, composure under pressure, and a willingness to embrace opportunities can break barriers in sport. Her historic win, her consistent performances, and her humble celebration all serve as an inspiring blueprint for aspiring darts players, especially young women who see in her a tangible example that the highest levels of the game are within reach.