Beau Greaves and Fallon Sherrock are set to battle for the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay title on Sunday, while defending champion Lisa Ashton returns to the Blackpool arena to protect her crown. The elite eight competitors who top the PDC Women’s Series rankings will all converge at the historic Winter Gardens, with the event being broadcast live on Sky Sports Action from 1 p.m. that afternoon.
The champion will walk away with a £15,000 first‑place prize, making the stakes as high as the excitement surrounding the tournament. Greaves enters the competition as the clear favorite, having already secured two World Matchplay victories in the past four years. Her résumé includes a groundbreaking triumph earlier this year when she became the first woman to capture a PDC ranking title at Players Championship 11 in April. "Winning a ProTour event so early in my career was a complete surprise to me," Greaves admitted, reflecting on her rapid ascent.
She added that, despite her confidence in her own abilities, the overall standard on the professional circuit is astonishingly high, and she anticipated needing more time to fully settle into the elite environment. "It’s a privilege to compete against players I grew up watching. I love darts, I love competing, and being back at this tournament is a huge bonus for me," she said.
"This event is something we all look forward to each year. It does wonders for the women’s game, and I’m thrilled to be part of it again." 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, expressed her determination to reclaim the title: "Winning the 2022 title remains one of my greatest achievements in women’s darts.
Blackpool holds a special place in my heart, so returning to the Women’s World Matchplay is incredibly exciting. I’m eager to go out there this year and capture the trophy again, especially after missing those match darts last time. I’m very hungry to win it, but I know it will be a tough fight. Deta is a top‑class opponent, and you have to bring your A‑game against her." Meanwhile, Lisa Ashton, the four‑time Lakeside Women’s champion, is looking to join Greaves as the only player to have secured back‑to‑back Women’s World Matchplay crowns.
Ashton will begin her title defence against Welsh No. 1 Rhian O’Sullivan. "I was absolutely over the moon when I won the title last year," Ashton recalled.
"Playing in Blackpool has always been a dream, and to win it in my hometown was simply brilliant. This is undoubtedly one of my biggest achievements – a PDC title I always wanted, and finally I got it!" 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 awarded to the champion, £8,000 to the runner‑up, £4,500 to each semi‑finalist, and £2,000 to each quarter‑finalist.
The schedule is packed with high‑intensity matches: the quarter‑finals kick off at 13:00, featuring Greaves versus Viinikainen, Gemma Hayter against Vicky Pruim, Ashton against O’Sullivan, and Sherrock versus Hedman. The winners will progress to the semi‑finals, and the two survivors will clash in the final to claim the coveted trophy. Beyond the on‑stage drama, the event highlights the growing popularity and professionalism of women’s darts. Since the introduction of the Women’s World Matchplay, the tournament has become a showcase for talent, providing a platform for players like Greaves, Sherrock, and Ashton to demonstrate their skill on a global stage.
The increased media coverage, including live broadcasts on Sky Sports Action and streaming options via NOW, reflects the sport’s expanding audience. Fans can stay updated through Sky Sports’ WhatsApp channel, which offers the latest news, video highlights, in‑depth analysis, and exclusive features.
The organization also encourages viewers to use Chrome for an optimal video experience, ensuring accessibility and smooth playback. As the competition unfolds, darts enthusiasts will be watching closely to see who can rise to the occasion. Will Greaves cement her dominance with a third title in four years?
Can Sherrock bounce back from last year’s heartbreak and reclaim the crown? Or will Ashton continue her remarkable run and become the first player to win consecutive titles?
The answers will be revealed on Sunday, with live coverage beginning at 1 p.m. on Sky Sports Action and streaming options available for those who prefer to watch online.
The stage is set, the players are ready, and the world is waiting to see who will emerge victorious in this landmark event for women’s darts.