Beau Greaves clinched her third Women's World Matchplay crown in dramatic fashion, edging out Fallon Sherrock 6‑5 in a final that unfolded at Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens. The match was a nail‑biting affair that saw both competitors exchange blows, but Greaves ultimately prevailed with a decisive 180 followed by a flawless 145 checkout, leaving her on 56 and sealing the victory with a calm double‑10 finish. The triumph adds another milestone to Greaves’ impressive résumé, following her earlier successes in the 2023 and 2024 editions of the tournament. It also marks a continuation of a rivalry that has defined recent women's darts: Greaves had already bested Sherrock 6‑3 in the 2024 final, and this latest encounter extended that winning streak.
In addition to the Matchplay title, Greaves’ 2024 season has been historic – she became the first woman to win a Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Pro Tour event at Players Championship 11, recorded a nine‑dart finish on the Tour, and broke new ground by qualifying for the European Tour. 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.
Despite the disappointment, Sherrock’s performance was commendable; she produced several high‑scoring legs and demonstrated why she remains one of the sport’s most formidable players. After the match, Greaves spoke to Sky Sports with a mixture of relief and admiration for her opponent. “I’m not one to celebrate much, but there was a huge sense of relief at the end,” she said.
“Fallon is a great lady and an even better darts player. I knew I had to stay focused, and hitting that final dart was an outpouring of relief.” She added that the pressure of the occasion felt like a privilege, and that playing against the men on the circuit had altered her approach to the women’s game. The final itself lived up to the hype surrounding the two most successful female players in the sport.
Sherrock seized the early initiative, breaking Greaves’ throw in the third leg and taking a brief lead. Greaves responded immediately, leveling the score at 2‑2 and then delivering a spectacular 120 checkout in a 12‑dart leg to regain the advantage. From there, the match evolved into a tightly contested seesaw, with both players matching each other leg for leg. A pivotal moment arrived in the eighth leg when Greaves hit a double‑two to break Sherrock’s throw, putting her just one leg away from the championship.
Sherrock, however, refused to surrender. She produced a series of impressive scores, reaching 36 in just nine darts and then securing an 11‑dart break of throw. A smooth 70 checkout on double‑16 forced a deciding leg, setting the stage for a final showdown. In the decider, Greaves displayed her trademark composure.
She began with a perfect 180, followed by a silky 145 checkout that left her on 56. A calm double‑10 then sealed the match, delivering the trophy to Greaves for the third time.
Greaves’ path to the final was anything but easy. In the quarter‑finals she faced Gemma Hayter, battling through a tense 5‑4 encounter that required a massive 104 checkout to survive. The semi‑final saw her dominate Kirsi Viinikainen 5‑1, opening with high‑checkout finishes of 148 and 144 to set the tone.
Meanwhile, Sherrock’s own journey included a 5‑0 whitewash of Deta Hedman in the quarters, featuring two consecutive 13‑dart legs that left Hedman with no chance to answer. Other notable moments from the tournament included Lisa Ashton’s 5‑2 victory over Welsh No 1 Rhian O’Sullivan, highlighted by a 120 checkout, and Vicky Pruim’s gritty comeback against Hayter, where she overcame a 4‑2 deficit to win in a last‑leg shootout. The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues at the Winter Gardens on Sunday night, with defending champion Luke Littler set to face Gerwyn Price for the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy.
Fans can follow the action on Sky Sports or stream the coverage via NOW. Greaves reflected on her achievement, describing it as a blend of joy and determination. “I’m just happy to win,” she said.
“Playing the women’s circuit feels different now that I regularly compete against men. I’m proud to support the women’s game and to keep pushing my own limits.” Her comments underline a broader narrative: the growing visibility and competitiveness of women’s darts, driven by trailblazers like Greaves and Sherrock who continue to break barriers and inspire the next generation. Overall, the final was a showcase of skill, mental fortitude, and sportsmanship, delivering exactly the thrilling spectacle that fans had anticipated.
Greaves’ victory not only cements her legacy as one of the sport’s greats but also highlights the rising standard of women's darts on the world stage.