Beau Greaves and Fallon Sherrock are set to battle for the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay title on Sunday, while defending champion Lisa Ashton returns to the Blackpool arena to protect her crown. The eight highest‑ranked women from the PDC Women’s Series will converge at the historic Winter Gardens, with live coverage on Sky Sports Action beginning at 1 p.m. The victor will walk away with a £15,000 first‑place prize, while the remaining competitors will share a total prize fund of £40,000. Greaves arrives in Blackpool as the clear favourite.
She has already secured the Women’s Matchplay trophy in both 2023 and 2024, and she made history earlier this year by becoming the first woman to win a PDC ranking event when she triumphed at Players Championship 11 in April. "Winning a ProTour event so early in my career was a huge surprise to me," Greaves admitted, reflecting on her rapid rise. "I knew I could compete at the highest level, but the standard on the tour is astonishing. It took some time to settle in, but now I’m thrilled to be back playing against the players I grew up watching.
Darts is my passion, and every opportunity feels like a bonus. This tournament is a highlight for the women’s game, and I can’t wait to compete again." In the quarter‑finals, Greaves will face Finland’s Kirsi Viinikainen, a steady competitor who has shown steady improvement throughout the season. Meanwhile, 2022 champion Fallon Sherrock, who narrowly missed eleven match darts in last year’s final‑leg defeat to Ashton, opens her campaign against veteran Deta Hedman.
Sherrock, a fan favourite known for her historic 2019 victory over Michael van Gerwen at the PDC World Championship, said, "Winning the title in 2022 was one of the biggest achievements of my career. Blackpool holds a special place in my heart, and I’m eager to reclaim the trophy after the heartbreak of last year. I’m extremely hungry for the win, but I know Deta is a world‑class opponent and I’ll have to bring my absolute best." Lisa Ashton, the four‑time Lakeside Women’s champion, also has a chance to join Greaves as the only player to retain the Women’s World Matchplay back‑to‑back. Ashton will start her defence against Welsh No 1 Rhian O’Sullivan.
"I was over the moon when I lifted the title last year," Ashton recalled. "Playing in Blackpool has always been a dream, and to win it in my hometown was simply incredible. It’s one of my proudest moments – a PDC title I’ve chased for years, and finally achieving it." The tournament format follows a best‑of‑nine‑legs structure through the quarter‑finals and semi‑finals, culminating in a best‑of‑eleven‑legs final. The schedule is as follows: - Quarter‑Finals (from 13:00): Beau Greaves vs Kirsi Viinikainen; Gemma Hayter vs Vicky Pruim; Lisa Ashton vs Rhian O’Sullivan; Fallon Sherrock vs Deta Hedman.
- Semi‑Finals (best of nine legs): Winners of Greaves/Viinikainen vs Hayter/Pruim; Winners of Ashton/O’Sullivan vs Sherrock/Hedman. - Final (best of 11 legs): The two semi‑final winners compete for the £15,000 prize. Prize distribution rewards all participants: the champion receives £15,000, the runner‑up £8,000, each semi‑finalist £4,500, and each quarter‑finalist £2,000.
The total purse of £40,000 underscores the growing investment in women’s darts and the sport’s expanding profile. Beyond the on‑stage action, the event offers fans multiple ways to stay connected. Sky Sports provides live commentary, highlights, and behind‑the‑scenes interviews, while the official Sky Sports WhatsApp channel delivers up‑to‑date news, videos, and analysis. For viewers who prefer streaming, the NOW platform offers a contract‑free option to watch the matches live.
The Women’s World Matchplay has become a cornerstone of the darts calendar, showcasing the depth of talent in the women’s circuit and providing a platform for rising stars to challenge established champions. Greaves’ recent breakthrough, Sherrock’s resilience after a narrow loss, and Ashton’s determination to defend her title all add layers of narrative intrigue to this year’s edition. As the players prepare for the opening round, the atmosphere in Blackpool is electric.
The Winter Gardens, with its iconic architecture and enthusiastic crowds, creates a perfect backdrop for high‑stakes competition. Fans can expect tight finishes, dramatic checkouts, and the occasional upset as the eight best women in the sport vie for glory.
Whether you are a longtime darts enthusiast or a newcomer drawn by the compelling stories of these athletes, the 2025 Women’s World Matchplay promises unforgettable moments. Tune in on Sunday at 1 p.m.
on Sky Sports Action, or stream via NOW, to witness the skill, determination, and passion that define the modern women’s darts scene.