Three-time world champion Beau Greaves will take on reigning world champion Daryl Gurney in the first round of the World Darts Championship on Friday, and the 21-year-old now has confidence to match her talent.
Last year, Greaves turned down her place at the World Darts Championship, instead focusing on winning a third WDF Women's World Cup in a row, declaring in October 2024: “People know I'm not interested in playing with kids on the treadmill. I don't think I can win it.”
She added at the time: “People say I'm stubborn, but I know how good I can be and how I am most of the time. It's about balance and most women don't have the balance to compete with men.”
Fast forward a year and Greaves is on her way to the 2025 World Championship, having given Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson a run for their money in the recent Grand Slam of Darts. She will give a trial to Northern Irishman Gurney.
Along with her talent, Greaves now has a belief and confidence like never before in her career.
“You have to go into the competition believing, otherwise there's no point in it,” Greaves told the media. “I've changed my mind a little bit.
“I still think it's very difficult to play with them (male players) at a high level and be very competitive, but what I realized is that I want to get a tour card, and at the time (of the previous comments) I didn't want that. I just wanted to be a darts player.
“As I proved myself wrong and started playing well and beating better players I thought: 'Oh maybe I can do this full time.'
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Greaves is on the verge of a thrilling victory over Michael van Gerwen at the Grand Slam of Darts after losing their last match.
“I said it differently but I said this because I know that many of the women are not interested in playing with men, so I think that also comes out.
“At that time I didn't play with confidence either. I didn't believe in myself so it was a bad interview, but I proved myself a little bit wrong and I changed my mind.
“It's getting exposure for women to be able to go and play big players and big names on a regular basis. That's why we probably don't play with men when it comes to World Cups, Grand Slams and stuff because it's two chances you get a year to do it and you're thrown in there a little bit.
“Always amazing people talk about you being in the spotlight but it's good, it's good and I'm looking forward to playing. I'm trying to take it all in my stride and focus on darts.”
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Highlights of the Grand Slam of Darts match between Gary Anderson and Greaves, as the latter forced a final decider in a major tournament.
Asked if she now believes a woman's name could be at the World Cup one day, Greaves said 'never say never.'
“I don't think it's impossible, I think maybe he can make a good run out of one of us,” she said.
“I think all the women who play have got the game to do it, just doing it consistently for a long time and that's something we have to get used to.
“I think that kind of put a stop to it, but you never said that. I can't imagine that it will happen soon, but you never know.”
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Greaves hit five legs in a row to beat Niko Springer in the group stage of the Grand Slam of Darts
Can Greaves follow in Sherrock's footsteps?
Greaves has impressed since making her PDC Women's debut in 2023 with Wayne Mardle calling her “world class”. Sky Sports Expert Laura Turner hopes Greaves can follow in the footsteps of history-maker Fallon Sherrock, who became the first female player to win a match at Alexandra Palace in 2019.
“We know she has the ability to outshine anyone,” Turner said. “You have to watch the last World Cup, the Junior World Championship. She beat Luke Littler in the semi-finals 6-5. Luke Littler, World No 1!
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Speaking on Love The Darts, Abigail Davies and Chris Murphy discuss whether Greaves should be in the Premier League conversation.
“She had a deep run at the UK Open as well, beating ProTour players, and running Luke Humphries down the order. So she's definitely got the game, but you can't write off Gurney. He's a proven champion.
“This is one that could go either way. Obviously, I hope Beau can follow in Fallon's footsteps because we know she has the potential to go very far, and I really believe that.
“I can't wait for her to make the ProTour next year, but this is not an easy first round for anyone.
“We've seen how she's gone on the tour, playing the Challenge Tour, winning titles on the floor, qualifying for the Grand Slam, she's beaten the most players on the women's list. She's 86th in a row when it comes to that.
“She has done it more and more since she suffered from dartitis in the last few years. This is the thinking of the distance now and she just built herself. I see how she did it, there are many things to be admired. There are many players who are young now and feel like you have to race to the top of the game to be slow and Luke is like him. She did it to suit her situation. And I think it's good – I can't wait until next year come!”
Who will win the Paddy Power World Darts Championship? Watch every match live from 11 December on Sky Sports darts channel (Sky channel 407). Stream darts and more great games with NOW.
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