Beau Greaves and Fallon Sherrock are set to battle for the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay title this Sunday, while defending champion Lisa Ashton returns to the Blackpool arena to protect her crown. The event will showcase the top eight competitors from the PDC Women’s Series rankings, all converging on the historic Winter Gardens. The action will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Action from 1 p.m., with the champion walking away with a £15,000 first‑place prize.
Greaves enters the tournament as the clear favourite. She has already secured two Matchplay titles in the past four years and made history earlier this year by becoming the first woman to capture a PDC ranking event when she triumphed at Players Championship 11 in April. "Winning a ProTour event so early in my career was a real shock," Greaves admitted, reflecting on her rapid ascent. "I always knew I could compete at a high level, but the standard on the tour is extraordinary.
I thought I would need more time to settle, yet here I am, playing against the very players I grew up watching. I love darts, I love the competition, and every match feels like a bonus. This tournament is a highlight for all of us women in the sport, and I’m thrilled to be back." In the quarter‑finals, Greaves will face Finland’s Kirsi Viinikainen, while 2022 champion Fallon Sherrock – who narrowly missed eleven match darts in last year’s final‑leg loss to Ashton – opens her campaign against veteran Deta Hedman.
Sherrock, a fan favourite known for her historic 2019 victory over men’s world champion Michael van Gerwen, said, "Winning the 2022 title was one of my biggest achievements. Blackpool holds a special place in my heart, so returning to the Women’s World Matchplay feels like coming home. I’m determined to reclaim the trophy after the heartbreak of missing match darts last year. I’m really hungry to win it, but the competition will be fierce.
Deta is a top‑class opponent and you have to bring your A‑game against her." Lisa Ashton, a four‑time Lakeside Women’s champion, also has a chance to make history by becoming the only player to win back‑to‑back Women’s World Matchplay titles. She begins her defence against Welsh No 1 Rhian O’Sullivan. Ashton reflected on her 2024 victory, saying, "I was over the moon when I lifted the trophy last year. Playing in Blackpool has always been a dream, and winning it in my hometown made it even more special.
This is a PDC title I’ve chased for years, and finally achieving it feels like a career milestone." The tournament format follows a best‑of‑nine legs structure for the quarter‑finals and semi‑finals, culminating in a best‑of‑eleven legs final. The prize fund totals £40,000, with £15,000 for the champion, £8,000 for the runner‑up, £4,500 for each semi‑finalist, and £2,000 for those reaching the quarter‑finals. Beyond the headline match‑ups, the event highlights the growing depth and professionalism of women’s darts.
Over the past few seasons, the PDC has expanded opportunities for female players, offering a dedicated Women’s Series that feeds directly into high‑profile tournaments like the World Matchplay. This pathway has produced a new generation of talent, exemplified by Greaves’ breakthrough and Sherrock’s continued relevance. The Blackpool venue itself adds a layer of tradition and excitement. The Winter Gardens has been synonymous with darts for decades, hosting iconic moments that have shaped the sport’s history.
For the women’s game, playing on the same stage as the men’s elite underscores the increasing parity and recognition the female circuit is earning. Fans can follow the live coverage on Sky Sports Action starting at 1 p.m.
on Sunday, with additional highlights and analysis available through the Sky Sports WhatsApp channel. For those without a Sky subscription, the tournament can also be streamed via the NOW platform, which offers a contract‑free viewing option.
As the day approaches, the atmosphere in Blackpool is electric. Players are sharpening their practice routines, and commentators are busy preparing storylines that celebrate both the sport’s heritage and its evolving future. Whether you are a longtime follower of the women’s circuit or a newcomer drawn by the excitement of high‑stakes darts, this year’s Women’s World Matchplay promises drama, skill, and the chance to witness history in the making. Will Beau Greaves add another trophy to her growing collection?
Can Fallon Sherrock overcome last year’s near‑miss and reclaim the title? Or will Lisa Ashton cement her legacy with consecutive victories? The answers will unfold on the oche this Sunday, with every dart thrown contributing to the narrative of women’s darts reaching new heights.