Beau Greaves and Fallon Sherrock are set to battle for the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay title this Sunday, while Lisa Ashton returns to defend her championship on the famous Blackpool stage. The eight highest‑ranked competitors from the PDC Women’s Series will converge at the Winter Gardens, with live coverage on Sky Sports Action beginning at 1 p.m. The victor will pocket a £15,000 first‑place prize, making the stakes as high as ever. Greaves enters the tournament as the clear favorite, having already secured two Matchplay crowns in the past four years and becoming the first woman to capture a PDC ranking title when she triumphed at Players Championship 11 in April.
"Winning a ProTour event so early in my career was a surprise to me," she admitted, reflecting on her rapid rise. Greaves, who claimed the Women’s Matchplay in both 2023 and 2024, suffered a surprising semi‑final defeat to Ashton in last year’s edition, adding an extra layer of motivation to her campaign. The English star explained, "I know I can compete at the highest level, but the standard on tour is extraordinary.
I expected to need more time to settle in, yet here I am, facing the very players I grew up watching. I love darts, I love competing, and this tournament is a huge bonus for me. It’s an event we all look forward to, great for the women's game, and I’m thrilled to be back." In the quarter‑finals, Greaves will meet Finland’s Kirsi Viinikainen, while 2022 champion Sherrock—who missed eleven match darts in a heartbreaking final‑leg loss to Ashton last season—opens her run against veteran Deta Hedman.
Sherrock, a fan favourite, said, "Winning the 2022 title was one of my biggest achievements. Blackpool holds a special place in my heart, so returning to the Women’s World Matchplay feels like coming home.
I’m determined to reclaim the trophy after the narrow miss last year. I’m hungry to win it, but it will be tough; Deta is a top‑class opponent and you have to bring your A‑game every time you face her." Ashton, the defending champion, also has a chance to join Greaves as the only player to capture consecutive Women’s World Matchplay crowns. The four‑time Lakeside Women’s champion will start her defense against Welsh No 1 Rhian O’Sullivan. "I was absolutely over the moon after winning last year," Ashton said.
"Playing in Blackpool has always been a dream, and to lift the title in my hometown was simply brilliant. It’s one of my biggest achievements—a PDC title I always wanted, and finally I did 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 prize fund totals £40,000, with £15,000 for the champion, £8,000 for the runner‑up, £4,500 for each semi‑finalist, and £2,000 for the quarter‑finalists. Fans can follow the live action on Sky Sports Action from 1 p.m. on Sunday, with additional streaming options available through NOW. The event not only showcases the growing depth of talent in women’s darts but also highlights the increasing visibility and professionalism of the sport.
As the competition unfolds, viewers can expect high‑quality darts, dramatic finishes, and the chance to witness history in the making as Greaves, Sherrock, and Ashton each chase their own milestones. Beyond the matches themselves, the tournament serves as a platform for promoting the women’s game, encouraging more participation, and inspiring the next generation of players. The Winter Gardens, with its historic atmosphere, adds a unique backdrop that amplifies the significance of every throw. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to darts, the Women’s World Matchplay promises excitement, skill, and compelling narratives that underline why the sport continues to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide.