Beau Greaves and Fallon Sherrock are set to battle for the Betfred Women's World Matchplay title on Sunday, while Lisa Ashton returns to defend her crown at the iconic Blackpool venue. The elite eight competitors, determined by their positions on the PDC Women’s Series leaderboard, will converge at the Winter Gardens for a live broadcast on Sky Sports Action beginning at 1 p.m. The champion will walk away with a £15,000 prize, while the runner‑up receives £8,000 and the other participants share a total prize pool of £40,000. Greaves arrives as the clear favourite, having already captured the tournament in 2023 and 2024.
She also made history earlier this year by becoming the first woman to win a PDC ranking event when she triumphed at Players Championship 11 in April. "Winning a ProTour event so quickly was a shock to me," Greaves admitted, reflecting on her rapid rise. Her confidence is bolstered by her recent successes, yet she acknowledges the depth of talent on the circuit: "The quality on tour is unreal, so I thought I’d need more time to settle in. It’s amazing to compete against players I grew up watching.
I love darts, I love playing darts – it’s a bonus for me. This tournament is something we all look forward to. It’s great for the women’s game, and I’m really excited to be back." In the quarter‑finals, Greaves will meet Finland’s Kirsi Viinikainen, while Sherrock, the 2022 champion, opens her campaign against veteran Deta Hedman. Sherrock, who missed eleven match darts in last year’s final‑leg defeat to Ashton, is determined to reverse that disappointment.
"Winning this title in 2022 is one of my biggest achievements in the women’s game," she said. "Blackpool is one of my favourite tournaments, so it’s great to be part of the Women’s World Matchplay again.
I just want to go there this year and get that title back, especially after missing match darts in the final last year. I’m really hungry to win it, but it’s going to be tough.
Deta is a quality player and you always have to bring your A‑game against her." Lisa Ashton, a four‑time Lakeside Women’s champion, also has a chance to join Greaves as the only player to secure back‑to‑back Women’s World Matchplay crowns. Ashton begins her defence against Welsh No 1 Rhian O’Sullivan. "I was absolutely over the moon to win this title last year," Ashton recalled.
"It’s always a dream to play here in Blackpool, but to win it in my hometown – it was absolutely brilliant. This was definitely one of my biggest achievements.
It’s a PDC title, one I always wanted to win, and I finally did it!" The tournament format follows a best‑of‑nine legs structure through the quarter‑finals and semi‑finals, culminating in a best‑of‑eleven legs final. The schedule is tight, with quarter‑final matches kicking off at 13:00, followed by semi‑finals and the championship match later in the afternoon.
Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports Action, and the event will also be streamed via the NOW platform for those without a traditional TV contract. Beyond the prize money, the Women’s World Matchplay serves as a showcase for the growing depth and professionalism of women’s darts. Since its inception, the event has highlighted emerging talents like Greaves while providing a stage for established stars such as Sherrock and Ashton to demonstrate their skill and resilience.
The inclusion of players from across Europe – including Finland’s Viinikainen and England’s Hedman – underscores the sport’s expanding reach. As the competition unfolds, several storylines will capture attention. Will Greaves secure a third title in four years, cementing her status as the sport’s new dominant force? Can Sherrock reclaim the trophy she lifted in 2022 after a heartbreaking loss the previous year?
And will Ashton repeat her historic back‑to‑back triumph, joining Greaves as the only player with consecutive wins? The atmosphere at the Winter Gardens is expected to be electric, with darts enthusiasts gathering both in‑person and online.
The venue, famed for its rich darts heritage, adds a layer of tradition and prestige to the proceedings. Players have spoken about the significance of competing in Blackpool, noting that the town’s supportive crowd and historic setting create a unique pressure and motivation. For viewers, the broadcast will feature expert commentary, in‑depth analysis, and behind‑the‑scenes interviews that provide insight into the competitors’ preparation and mindset. Sky Sports has also integrated interactive elements, allowing fans to follow live statistics, player rankings, and exclusive video content through its digital platforms.
In summary, Sunday’s Women’s World Matchplay promises high‑octane darts, compelling personal narratives, and a substantial financial incentive. Whether you are a longtime follower of the women’s circuit or a newcomer drawn by the sport’s rising profile, the event offers a thrilling showcase of skill, determination, and the relentless pursuit of victory. Tune in from 1 p.m.
on Sky Sports Action or stream via NOW to witness who will claim the £15,000 prize and etch their name into darts history.