Beau Greaves captured her third Women’s World Matchplay crown in a dramatic 6‑5, last‑leg triumph over Fallon Sherrock at Blackpool’s historic Winter Gardens. The final, billed as a clash between the two most accomplished female darts players, lived up to the hype, delivering a nail‑biting showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Sherrock surged ahead early, breaking Greaves’ throw in the third leg and establishing a brief lead.

Yet Greaves responded instantly, leveling the score at 2‑2 and then producing a stunning 120 checkout on a 12‑dart leg to seize the initiative. From that point onward the match turned into a seesaw battle, with each player trading legs and showcasing high‑calibre scoring. The eighth leg proved pivotal.

Greaves, under immense pressure, hit a double two to break Sherrock’s throw and move within a single leg of the championship. Sherrock, however, refused to concede.

She compiled a flawless nine‑dart sequence that left her on 36, followed by an 11‑dart break of throw and a classy 70 checkout on double 16, forcing the encounter into a deciding leg. In the final leg Greaves displayed the composure that has become her trademark throughout the tournament.

She began with a perfect 180, then followed it with a brilliant 145, leaving herself on 56. A calm double‑10 sealed the victory, delivering the trophy back to her for a record‑breaking third time. Greaves’ win adds to an already stellar year. Earlier in 2023 and 2024 she had already claimed the Matchplay title, and she previously bested Sherrock in the 2024 final with a 6‑3 scoreline.

This latest triumph also underscores her historic achievements: she became the first woman to win a Pro Tour event at Players Championship 11, recorded a nine‑dart finish on the Tour, and broke new ground as the first female qualifier for the European Tour. For Sherrock, the result marks a third consecutive runner‑up finish at the Women’s Matchplay, having been bested by Greaves in 2024 and 2026 and by Lisa Ashton in 2025. Despite the disappointment, Sherrock remains a formidable competitor, having delivered a dominant 5‑0 quarter‑final whitewash over Deta Hedman and a solid 5‑1 victory over Ashton to reach the final. After the match, Greaves spoke to Sky Sports, admitting that while she rarely celebrates, the win felt like a massive relief.

“Fallon is a great lass and an even better darts player. I knew I had to play well, but hitting that final dart was an outpouring of relief,” she said. She also highlighted the unique pressure of competing against women after regularly playing against men, noting, “I was nervous, but that kind of pressure is a privilege.” Greaves’ journey to the final was anything but easy.

In the quarter‑finals she faced Gemma Hayter, surviving a tense 5‑4 battle after falling behind early. Hayter had taken a 2‑2 lead with a break of throw and later secured an 83 checkout on double 16 to force a decider. Greaves, however, answered with a massive 104 checkout, clinching her spot in the semi‑finals. The semi‑final saw Greaves dominate Kirsi Viinikainen 5‑1, opening with a 148 checkout and following up with a 144, establishing her rhythm early.

Meanwhile, Sherrock dispatched Deta Hedman in the quarters with two consecutive 13‑dart legs, leaving Hedman with no chance to recover. Elsewhere in the tournament, Lisa Ashton, often referred to as the “Lancashire Rose,” began her campaign with a 5‑2 win over Welsh No. 1 Rhian O’Sullivan, highlighted by a 120 checkout that broke Sherrock’s throw. Ashton’s run ended when she met Sherrock, who produced a clinical 5‑1 victory to reach her third straight final.

The event also featured dramatic comebacks, such as Hayter rallying from 4‑2 down to defeat Vicky Pruim in a last‑leg shootout, sealing the match with a clutch 77 checkout. These storylines added depth to a tournament already rich with historic moments. Looking ahead, the 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues at the iconic Winter Gardens on Sunday night, where defending champion Luke Littler will face Gerwyn Price for the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy.

Fans can follow the action on Sky Sports or stream via NOW for comprehensive coverage. Greaves’ victory not only cements her status as the pre‑eminent female darts player of the era but also serves as an inspiration for the growing women’s game. Her dedication, consistency, and ability to thrive under pressure have set a new benchmark, encouraging more women to pursue darts at the highest level.

As she reflected, “I love darts, I love my life, and I’m addicted to the sport. My goal is simply to keep getting better.”