Beau Greaves captured her third Women’s World Matchplay crown in dramatic fashion, edging out Fallon Sherrock 6‑5 in a final that went down to the last leg at Blackpool’s historic Winter Gardens. The encounter was a showcase of composure, skill and sheer determination, with Greaves delivering a decisive 180 and a flawless 145 checkout before sealing the win with a cool double‑10 finish.
The match was a continuation of a rivalry that has defined the women’s circuit in recent years. After Sherrock forced the contest to a nail‑biting distance, Greaves steadied herself, launching a perfect 180 that swung momentum in her favour. She followed that with a brilliant 145, leaving herself on 56 and then calmly hit double‑10 to clinch the title for a record‑breaking third time. This triumph adds to Greaves’ impressive haul of victories in 2023 and 2024, where she also emerged victorious in the same tournament.
In the 2024 final she defeated Sherrock 6‑3, and the 2026 showdown repeated the pattern, confirming Greaves as the dominant force in the women’s Matchplay scene. Her achievements this year have been nothing short of historic: she became the first woman to win a 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 – milestones that underline her status as a trailblazer for female darts players. For Sherrock, the result marked a third consecutive runner‑up finish at the Women’s Matchplay, having lost to Greaves in both 2024 and 2026 and to Lisa Ashton in 2025.
Despite the disappointment, Sherrock’s performance was commendable, showcasing why she remains one of the sport’s most respected competitors. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Greaves admitted that while she is not one to indulge in celebrations, the victory brought a huge sense of 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 a massive release of tension,” she said. Her remarks reflected both respect for her opponent and the pressure she felt in such a high‑stakes environment. Greaves also highlighted how playing against men on the Pro Tour has altered her approach to the women’s game.
“It feels different now that I’m regularly competing against the men. I’m just thrilled to have taken the win,” she added, underscoring her confidence and the positive impact of her broader experience on her performance. The final itself lived up to the hype, delivering a tightly contested battle between two of the sport’s most successful women.
Sherrock started strongly, breaking Greaves’ throw in the third leg and taking an early lead. However, Greaves responded immediately, leveling the score at 2‑2 before producing a spectacular 120 checkout in a 12‑dart leg that swung the momentum back in her favour. The match then turned into a gripping back‑and‑forth affair.
In the eighth leg, Greaves secured a crucial break of throw by hitting double‑two, moving within a single leg of the title. Sherrock, refusing to surrender, delivered superb scoring, reaching 36 in just nine darts and then executing an 11‑dart break of throw, followed by a classy 70 checkout on double‑16 to force a deciding leg. In the final leg, Greaves displayed her trademark brilliance. After a perfect 180, she followed with a silky 145, leaving herself on 56.
She then calmly finished on double‑10, sealing the trophy and confirming her place in darts history. Greaves’ path to the final was far from easy. In the quarter‑finals she endured a tense 5‑4 victory over Gemma Hayter, recovering from a slow start and a break of throw by Hayter to clinch the match with a massive 104 checkout. The semi‑final saw her dominate Kirsi Viinikainen 5‑1, opening with impressive 148 and 144 checkouts that set the tone for a swift progression.
Sherrock’s own journey to the final was equally impressive. She dispatched Deta Hedman with a 5‑0 whitewash, delivering two consecutive 13‑dart legs that left her opponent with no chance to recover. In the quarter‑finals she beat Lisa Ashton 5‑1, replicating the previous year’s final and confirming her status as a consistent threat. Other notable performances included Hayter’s comeback win over Vicky Pruim, where she recovered from 4‑2 down to win a last‑leg shootout, and Ashton’s solid 5‑2 victory over Welsh No 1 Rhian O’Sullivan, highlighted by a 120 checkout that secured a crucial break of throw.
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 prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy. Fans can follow the action on Sky Sports or stream via NOW, ensuring that darts enthusiasts worldwide can enjoy the excitement of the sport’s premier events.
Overall, Beau Greaves’ third Matchplay title not only cements her legacy but also signals a new era for women’s darts, where talent, dedication and breaking barriers go hand in hand. Her achievements inspire a growing generation of players, and her rivalry with Fallon Sherrock promises more thrilling encounters in the years to come.