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 historic Winter Gardens. The match unfolded as a classic showdown between two of the sport’s most accomplished female players, and Greaves ultimately prevailed thanks to a clutch 180, a flawless 145 checkout, and a decisive double‑10 to seal the victory. The contest began with Sherrock taking an early lead, breaking Greaves’ throw in the third leg and establishing a slight advantage.
Greaves, however, responded instantly, leveling the score at 2‑2 before producing a dazzling 120 checkout in a 12‑dart leg that put her back in front. From there the battle turned into a tightly contested, back‑and‑forth affair, with both competitors exchanging breaks of throw and showcasing the high‑quality scoring that has become a hallmark of modern women’s darts. The pivotal eighth leg saw Greaves hit double‑2 to claim a crucial break and bring herself within a single leg of the title.
Sherrock refused to capitulate, delivering a series of superb scores that left her on 36 after just nine darts and then completing an 11‑dart break of throw. She followed this with a polished 70 checkout on double‑16, forcing the match into a deciding leg.
In the final leg Greaves produced her best darts of the night. She began with a perfect 180, then followed it with a silky 145 that left her on 56. With a calm hand she finished on double‑10, sending the trophy back to her once more and confirming her status as the most successful woman in the tournament’s history. The win adds to an already remarkable 2026 campaign for Greaves, who also captured the Women’s Matchplay titles in 2023 and 2024.
Earlier this year she became the first woman to win a Professional Darts Corporation Pro Tour event at Players Championship 11, recorded a nine‑dart finish on the Tour, and broke new ground by qualifying for a European Tour event. Sherrock, meanwhile, endured her third consecutive runner‑up finish at the Matchplay, 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 does not normally revel in celebrations, the victory felt like a huge relief. "Fallon is a fantastic competitor and an even better darts player. I knew I had to play my best, and when I hit that final dart I felt an outpouring of relief," she said.
She added, "I’m just thrilled to win. Playing the women’s circuit feels different now that I regularly compete against the men, so this win means a lot." Sherrock, ever the sportswoman, praised her opponent’s composure. "I was nervous, but that kind of pressure is a privilege. I love my life, I love playing darts, and I’m addicted to it.
Supporting the women’s game is huge for me," she remarked, highlighting the growing popularity and professionalism of the women’s side of the sport. Greaves’ path to the final was itself a test of resilience. In the quarter‑finals she faced Gemma Hayter, a match that stretched to a deciding leg after Hayter broke her throw and leveled the score at 2‑2.
Greaves answered with a massive 104 checkout to edge through, then dispatched Kirsi Viinikainen 5‑1 in the semi‑finals, opening with a 148 and a 144 checkout to set the tone. Sherrock’s own journey to the final was no less impressive. She thrashed Deta Hedman 5‑0 in the quarter‑finals, delivering two consecutive 13‑dart legs that left Hedman with no chance to recover.
In the semi‑finals she overcame Lisa Ashton 5‑1, ending Ashton’s title defence and securing her third straight Matchplay final appearance. Other notable performances on the night included Hayter’s comeback from 4‑2 down against Vicky Pruim, where she clinched a last‑leg shootout with a clutch 77 checkout, and Ashton’s 5‑2 victory over Welsh No 1 Rhian O’Sullivan, highlighted by a 120 checkout that gave her a crucial break of throw. The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues at the iconic Winter Gardens on Sunday night, with defending champion Luke Littler set to face Gerwyn Price for the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy.
Fans can catch all the action on Sky Sports or stream via NOW, while the women’s Matchplay final will be remembered as a benchmark for competitive excellence and a testament to the rising standards in women’s darts. Greaves’ triumph not only cements her legacy but also underscores the rapid evolution of the women’s game, which is attracting larger audiences, higher prize funds, and increasing media coverage.
As she looks ahead, Greaves says her goal remains simple: to keep improving and to keep raising the bar for herself and for the sport she loves.