Beau Greaves once again proved her dominance on the darts stage by clinching a record‑breaking third Women’s World Matchplay crown, edging out Fallon Sherrock 6‑5 in a nail‑biting last‑leg showdown at Blackpool’s iconic Winter Gardens. The final was a roller‑coaster of emotions and high‑quality darts.
Sherrock surged ahead early, breaking Greaves’ throw in the third leg and taking the first lead. Yet Greaves responded instantly, leveling the match at 2‑2 and then delivering a spectacular 120 checkout on a 12‑dart leg that swung momentum back in her favour. From that point onward the contest turned into a tightly contested duel, with both players exchanging breaks of throw and showcasing their best scoring and finishing skills. The eighth leg proved pivotal.
Greaves, under immense pressure, hit a double two to claim a crucial break and move within a single leg of the championship. Sherrock, refusing to surrender, answered with a brilliant 36 finish after just nine darts and then a smooth 70 checkout on double 16, forcing the match into a decisive final leg. In the deciding leg Greaves produced the darts of the evening.
She began with a perfect 180, then followed it with a silky 145 that left her with 56 points remaining. With the finish in sight she calmly hit double ten, sealing the title and sending the crowd into rapturous applause. The victory not only adds a third Matchplay trophy to Greaves’ résumé but also cements her status as the most successful woman in the event’s short history.
Greaves’ triumph is part of an extraordinary run that has defined her 2023‑2024 seasons. Earlier this year she became the first female player to win a Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Pro Tour event at Players Championship 11, a landmark achievement that broke new ground for women in the sport. She also recorded a nine‑dart finish on the Tour and made history as the first woman to qualify for a European Tour event.
These milestones, combined with her third Matchplay crown, illustrate a rapid ascent that is reshaping the perception of women’s darts. For Sherrock, the loss marks a third consecutive runner‑up finish at the Women's Matchplay.
She fell to Greaves in 2024 and 2026 and was bested by Lisa Ashton in 2025, a pattern that underscores Greaves’ growing rivalry with the seasoned English star. Despite the disappointment, Sherrock praised her opponent, saying, "Fallon is a great lass and an even better darts player. I knew I had to play well, but hitting that last dart was an outpouring of relief." Both competitors displayed sportsmanship and mutual respect, highlighting the camaraderie that has blossomed among the top women’s players.
In post‑match interviews Greaves described the experience as a mixture of nerves and relief. "I'm not one to celebrate, but it was a huge relief in the end," she told Sky Sports. "I love darts, I love my life, and I'm addicted to the sport.
My goal is simply to keep getting better." Her comments reflect a humble yet confident mindset that has propelled her to the forefront of the game. The road to the final was anything but easy for Greaves. In the quarter‑finals she faced Gemma Hayter, a resilient opponent who pushed the match to a deciding leg after breaking Greaves’ throw and delivering an 83 checkout on double 16.
Greaves, however, produced a massive 104 checkout at the crucial moment, securing a 5‑4 victory and a place in the semi‑finals. In the semi‑finals Greaves met Finland’s Kirsi Viinikainen and dominated with a 5‑1 win. She opened the match with a 148 checkout followed by a 144, establishing an early rhythm that left Viinikainen struggling to find a foothold. Meanwhile, Sherrock’s own semi‑final performance was equally impressive; she dispatched Deta Hedman 5‑0, delivering two consecutive 13‑dart legs and denying Hedman any chance to respond.
Other notable moments from the tournament included Lisa Ashton’s 5‑2 victory over Welsh No 1 Rhian O’Sullivan, highlighted by a 120 checkout, and a dramatic comeback from Gemma Hayter, who rallied from 4‑2 down to beat Vicky Pruim in a last‑leg shootout, sealing the win with a clutch 77 checkout. The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay continues to captivate fans at the Winter Gardens, with defending champion Luke Littler set to face Gerwyn Price in the men’s final for the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy. As the darts calendar progresses, the sport’s growing popularity and the increasing visibility of female talent like Greaves and Sherrock promise an exciting future for both men’s and women’s competitions. Overall, the 2026 Women’s Matchplay final delivered everything fans could hope for: high‑stakes drama, top‑level skill, and a historic milestone for Beau Greaves.
Her third title not only adds another trophy to her cabinet but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring female darts players worldwide, demonstrating that with dedication, composure, and a little bit of flair, the highest echelons of the sport are within reach.