Beau Greaves clinched her third Women's World Matchplay crown in dramatic fashion, edging out Fallon Sherrock 6-5 in a last‑leg showdown at Blackpool's historic Winter Gardens. The final was a nail‑biting affair that showcased both players' skill, composure, and determination, but Greaves ultimately prevailed thanks to a crucial 180 and a flawless 145 checkout that left her with a manageable 56 to finish. She calmly hit double ten to seal the victory and add another trophy to her growing collection. The triumph marks Greaves' third Matchplay triumph, following wins in 2023 and 2024, and reinforces her status as the dominant force in women's darts.
The two had already met in the 2024 final, where Greaves emerged victorious with a 6-3 scoreline. This latest encounter extends Sherrock's unfortunate run of finishing as runner‑up for the third consecutive year, having lost to Greaves in 2024 and 2026 and to Lisa Ashton in 2025. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Greaves admitted that while she rarely celebrates, the win felt like a huge relief. "Fallon is a fantastic competitor and an even better darts player.
I knew I had to stay focused, and hitting that final dart was an outpouring of relief," she said. Her humility was evident, yet she also expressed genuine happiness: "I'm just thrilled to win. Playing against women feels different now because I regularly compete with the men.
I'm chuffed to take the title." Greaves' 2026 season has been nothing short of historic. Earlier in the year she became the first woman to capture a Pro Tour event at Players Championship 11, a milestone that broke new ground for female players. She also recorded a nine‑dart finish on the professional circuit and became the first woman to qualify for a European Tour event, further cementing her role as a trailblazer for the sport.
The final itself lived up to the hype surrounding the clash of two of the most successful women in darts. Sherrock started strongly, breaking Greaves' throw in the third leg and taking an early lead.
Greaves, however, responded instantly, leveling the match at 2‑2 and then delivering a spectacular 120 checkout in a 12‑dart leg to regain momentum. The contest ebbed and flowed, with both players exchanging breaks of throw and producing high‑quality checkouts.
A pivotal moment arrived in the eighth leg when Greaves hit double two, securing a vital break and moving within a single leg of the championship. Sherrock, refusing to surrender, answered with a series of impressive scores that left her on 36 after just nine darts, followed by an 11‑dart break of throw and a classy 70 checkout on double 16 to force a deciding leg. In the final leg, Greaves displayed why she is considered the sport's rising star.
She began with a maximum 180, then followed with a silky 145 checkout, leaving herself on 56. With calm precision, she hit double ten to claim the title, prompting applause from the Winter Gardens crowd. Greaves' path to the final was anything but easy.
In the quarter‑finals she endured a tense 5‑4 victory over Gemma Hayter. After a slow start that saw Hayter level the match at 2‑2 with a break of throw, Hayter again broke Greaves' throw with an 83 checkout on double 16, pushing the contest to a last‑leg decider. Greaves rose to the occasion, delivering a massive 104 checkout to secure 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, establishing early control and never looking back.
Meanwhile, Sherrock had dispatched Lisa Ashton 5‑1 in her own semi‑final, replicating the 2025 final’s storyline but this time with Sherrock on the winning side. Other notable matches from the tournament included Sherrock's own quarter‑final whitewash of Deta Hedman, a 5‑0 rout highlighted by two consecutive 13‑dart legs that left Hedman with no chance to recover. Gemma Hayter also showed resilience, clawing back from a 4‑2 deficit to win a last‑leg shootout against Vicky Pruim, sealing the victory with a clutch 77 checkout.
In the women's draw, the "Lancashire Rose" Lisa Ashton began her campaign with a 5‑2 win over Welsh No.1 Rhian O'Sullivan, highlighted by a 120 checkout that gave her a crucial break of throw. Looking ahead, the 2026 Betfred World Matchplay will continue at the iconic Winter Gardens on Sunday night, featuring defending champion Luke Littler against Gerwyn Price for the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports or stream via NOW, ensuring the excitement of darts remains accessible to a global audience.
Greaves' victory not only adds another trophy to her cabinet but also underscores the rapid evolution of women's darts. Her achievements—breaking barriers on the Pro Tour, recording a nine‑dart finish, and now securing a third Matchplay title—serve as inspiration for aspiring female players worldwide.
As she reflected after the match, "I love my life, I love playing darts, and I'm addicted to it. My goal is simply to keep improving and to keep supporting the growth of the women's game." The final was a testament to the high level of competition in women's darts and a reminder that the sport continues to produce thrilling, high‑stakes encounters. With Greaves now holding a record three Matchplay crowns, the stage is set for new rivalries and storylines to emerge as the women's circuit moves forward.