Beau Greaves clinched her third Women's World Matchplay crown with a dramatic 6-5, last‑leg victory over Fallon Sherrock at Blackpool's iconic Winter Gardens. The final proved to be a true nail‑biter, with both competitors delivering high‑quality darts and showcasing why they are the leading figures in the women's game.
The match began with Sherrock taking an early advantage, breaking Greaves' throw in the third leg and establishing a slight lead. Greaves, however, responded swiftly, leveling the score at 2‑2 before producing a spectacular 120 checkout on a 12‑dart leg that put her ahead.
From that point onward, the contest turned into a tightly contested seesaw, each player matching the other's scoring bursts and applying relentless pressure. The eighth leg proved pivotal. Greaves secured a crucial break of throw by finishing on double two, narrowing the gap to just one leg and putting herself within striking distance of the title. Sherrock, far from conceding, fought back with a series of impressive visits, leaving herself on 36 after only nine darts and then taking an 11‑dart break of throw.
She followed this with a composed 70 checkout on double sixteen, forcing the match into a deciding leg. In the final leg, Greaves displayed the composure that has become her trademark.
She opened with a perfect 180, then followed with a silky 145 that left her with 56 points remaining. The finish was a clean double ten, sealing a 6‑5 win and delivering the trophy back to her for a record‑breaking third time. Greaves' triumph adds to an already remarkable season.
She previously captured the Women's Matchplay titles in 2023 and 2024, and she also made history earlier in the year by becoming the first woman to win a Pro Tour event at Players Championship 11. In addition, she recorded a nine‑dart finish on the professional circuit and became the inaugural female qualifier for the European Tour, underscoring her status as a trailblazer for the sport.
For Sherrock, the result marked her third consecutive runner‑up finish at the Women's Matchplay, having lost to Greaves in both 2024 and 2026 and to Lisa Ashton in 2025. Despite the disappointment, Sherrock remained gracious, acknowledging Greaves' skill and the intensity of the contest. After the match, Greaves spoke to Sky Sports, saying, "I'm not one to celebrate much, but there was a huge sense of relief at the end. Fallon is a fantastic competitor and an even better darts player.
I knew I had to play well, and hitting that final dart was an overwhelming release of tension." She added, "I'm just thrilled to win. Playing against the women feels different now that I'm also competing regularly against the men.
I'm proud to bring this victory home." Sherrock, reflecting on the pressure of the occasion, remarked, "I was nervous, but that kind of pressure is a privilege. It pushes you to raise your game." Both players highlighted their love for the sport, with Greaves noting, "I love my life, I love playing darts. I'm addicted to it in a way, and supporting the women's game is a massive part of that passion.
My goal is simply to keep improving." The final was billed as a clash between the two most successful women in darts, and it lived up to the hype. Sherrock started brightly, breaking early and taking the lead, but Greaves' resilience shone through. After the early exchanges, Greaves hit a sensational 120 checkout that swung momentum back in her favor. The match continued to ebb and flow, with each leg featuring high scoring, strategic checkouts, and moments of brilliance from both sides.
Beyond the final, the tournament featured several noteworthy performances. Greaves had to endure a tense quarter‑final, edging out Gemma Hayter 5‑4 after a seesaw battle that saw Hayter break her throw and force a last‑leg decider. Greaves responded with a massive 104 checkout to secure her place in the semi‑finals, where she dispatched Kirsi Viinikainen 5‑1, opening with a 148 and a 144 checkout to set the tone.
Sherrock's path to the final was equally impressive. She white‑washed Deta Hedman 5‑0 in the quarter‑finals, delivering two consecutive 13‑dart legs that left Hedman with no chance to answer. In the semi‑finals, Sherrock overcame Lisa Ashton 5‑1, ending Ashton's title defence and earning her third straight Matchplay final appearance. Other highlights included Hayter's comeback from 4‑2 down to defeat Vicky Pruim in a last‑leg shootout, and Ashton’s solid 5‑2 victory over Welsh No 1 Rhian O’Sullivan, highlighted by a 120 checkout that broke Sherrock’s momentum.
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay will continue at the Winter Gardens on Sunday night, featuring defending champion Luke Littler against Gerwyn Price for the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy. Fans can follow the action on Sky Sports or stream via NOW, ensuring the excitement of professional darts remains accessible to a global audience.
Overall, Beau Greaves' third Matchplay title not only cements her legacy as the dominant force in women's darts but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring players. Her blend of technical precision, mental fortitude, and genuine love for the sport continues to raise the profile of women's darts on the world stage.