Beau Greaves clinched 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 iconic Winter Gardens. The match unfolded as a tightly contested battle between two of the sport's most accomplished female players, and Greaves ultimately prevailed thanks to a series of high‑scoring visits and composure under pressure.
Sherrock started strongly, breaking Greaves' throw in the third leg and taking an early lead. Yet Greaves responded instantly, leveling the score at 2‑2 before delivering a stunning 120 checkout on a 12‑dart leg that swung momentum back in her favour.
From that point the encounter turned into a classic seesaw duel, with each player trading legs and keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. The eighth leg proved pivotal.
Greaves, displaying nerves of steel, hit a double two to break Sherrock's throw and move within a single leg of the title. Sherrock, however, refused to surrender. She produced a brilliant scoring run that left her on 36 after just nine darts, then completed an 11‑dart break of throw followed by a smooth 70 checkout on double 16, forcing a deciding leg.
In the final leg Greaves once again showcased her brilliance. She began with a perfect 180, then followed it with a silky 145 that left her needing 56 to finish. Calmly aiming for the double, she hit double ten and secured the championship. The victory not only marked her third Matchplay triumph—making her the record holder—but also added to an already stellar year.
Earlier in the tournament Greaves had to battle through a tense quarter‑final against Gemma Hayter, surviving a 5‑4 thriller. After a sluggish start that saw Hayter level the match at 2‑2 with a break of throw, the contest seemed to tip in Hayter's favour when she hit an 83 checkout on double 16. Yet Greaves turned the tide with a massive 104 checkout, sealing her place in the semi‑finals. In the semi, Greaves faced Kirsi Viinikainen and delivered a commanding 5‑1 victory.
She opened the match with a 148 checkout and followed it with a 144, establishing dominance early and never looking back. Meanwhile, Sherrock advanced to the final after a convincing 5‑1 win over Lisa Ashton, who had been the defending champion.
Sherrock's quarter‑final performance was equally impressive, as she white‑washed Deta Hedman 5‑0, including two consecutive 13‑dart legs that left Hedman with no chance to recover. The tournament also featured notable performances from other top players. Vicky Pruim fought back from 4‑2 down to defeat Hayter in a last‑leg shootout, while 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 broke Sherrock's throw.
Greaves' triumph adds to a remarkable list of achievements for the young English star. Earlier in 2024 she became the first woman to win a Pro Tour event at Players Championship 11, and she later recorded a nine‑dart finish on the Tour, a historic first for a female competitor. She also broke new ground by becoming the first woman to qualify for a European Tour event, cementing her status as a trailblazer for women's darts. Reflecting on her win, Greaves told Sky Sports, "I'm not one to celebrate much, but there was a huge sense of relief at the end.
Fallon is a fantastic player and a great person. I knew I had to play my best, and hitting that final dart was an overwhelming release of tension." She added, "I'm just happy to win. Playing against the women is different now because I compete with the men as well. It feels great to take the title." Sherrock, who has finished runner‑up at the Women's Matchplay for three consecutive years—losing to Greaves in 2024 and 2026 and to Lisa Ashton in 2025—remained gracious in defeat.
"I was nervous, but that pressure is a privilege," she said. "I love darts, I love my life, and I’m addicted to the sport. Supporting the women's game is huge for me. My goal is simply to keep improving." The final was billed as a clash of the two most successful women in the sport, and it lived up to the hype.
Greaves' composure in the decisive moments, highlighted by her 180 and 145 finishes, proved decisive. Sherrock's resilience was evident in her ability to force a decider, but Greaves' clinical finishing ultimately secured the trophy.
Looking ahead, the 2026 Betfred World Matchplay will continue 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 catch all the action on Sky Sports and stream the coverage via NOW, while the darts community celebrates Greaves' historic third Matchplay victory and the continued growth of women's darts on the global stage.