Beau Greaves clinched her third Women's World Matchplay crown in spectacular fashion, edging out Fallon Sherrock 6‑5 in a nail‑biting final at Blackpool's iconic Winter Gardens. The match unfolded as a true showcase of skill and composure, with Greaves delivering a decisive 180 followed by a flawless 145 checkout, leaving her on 56. She then sealed the victory with a calm double‑10, confirming once again why she dominates the women's circuit.
Greaves' triumph adds another chapter to an already impressive run in the tournament, having previously won the event in 2023 and 2024. In the 2024 final she also faced Sherrock, prevailing 6‑3, and the latest win extends her record of head‑to‑head success against the English star. The result also marks Sherrock's third consecutive runner‑up finish at the Matchplay, following defeats to Greaves in 2024 and 2026 and a loss to Lisa Ashton in 2025.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Greaves admitted the pressure was immense but expressed relief at the outcome. "I'm not one to celebrate much, but after that final dart I felt an enormous wave of relief.
Fallon is a fantastic competitor and an even better darts player. I knew I had to stay focused, and hitting that last double was pure catharsis," she explained.
She also reflected on the broader context of her season, noting that she has broken several barriers for women in the sport. Earlier in the year she became the first female champion of a PDC Pro Tour event at Players Championship 11, recorded a nine‑dart finish on the main Tour, and earned the distinction of being the first woman to qualify for a European Tour event.
"I love my life, I love playing darts, and I’m addicted to the game in the best possible way," Greaves added. "My goal is simply to keep improving and raise the profile of the women's game." The final itself lived up to the hype surrounding a clash of the two most successful female darts players.
Sherrock seized an early advantage by breaking Greaves' throw in the third leg, but Greaves responded instantly, leveling the scores at 2‑2 and then delivering a stunning 120 checkout in a 12‑dart leg to take the lead. The momentum swung back and forth, with each player trading legs and creating a tense atmosphere for the spectators.
A pivotal moment arrived in the eighth leg when Greaves hit double‑two, securing a crucial break of throw and moving within a single leg of the title. Sherrock, however, refused to surrender. She produced a brilliant 36 finish after just nine darts and then executed an 11‑dart break of throw, followed by a stylish 70 checkout on double‑16 to force a deciding leg.
In the final showdown, Greaves displayed her trademark brilliance. She opened with a maximum 180, then followed with a silky 145 that left her on 56.
With the finish in sight, she calmly hit double‑10, sending the trophy back to her camp for a third time. Greaves' path to the final was anything but easy. In the quarter‑finals she edged past Gemma Hayter 5‑4 in a match that tested her nerves. After a sluggish start, Hayter leveled the encounter at 2‑2 with a break of throw and later secured an 83 checkout on double‑16 to force a last‑leg decider.
Greaves answered with a massive 104 checkout, demonstrating her ability to thrive under pressure and booking her place 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, setting the tone for a swift victory.
Meanwhile, Sherrock continued her impressive run, dispatching Deta Hedman 5‑0 in the quarters with two consecutive 13‑dart legs, leaving Hedman with no chance to respond. Other notable performances included Lisa Ashton’s 5‑2 win over Welsh No 1 Rhian O’Sullivan, highlighted by a 120 checkout, and Vicky Pruim’s dramatic comeback against Hayter, where she rallied from 4‑2 down to win in a last‑leg shootout. 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 it via NOW, ensuring that darts enthusiasts worldwide stay connected to every thrilling moment. Overall, Beau Greaves’ third Matchplay crown not only cements her status as the premier female darts player of her generation but also underscores the rapid growth and increasing competitiveness of women’s darts. Her achievements continue to inspire a new wave of players, and her dedication to the sport promises even more exciting chapters in the years ahead.