4 days ago
Beau Greaves 'can't win' as darts superstar weighs up huge career decision
Following the Women's World Matchplay, which she is the overwhelming favourite to defend, Beau Greaves must decide whether to grace Alexandra Palace or the Lakeside
Beau Greaves faces a can't-win decision as she gears up to defend her Women's World Matchplay title. The 21-year-old, who previously competed in the 2022/23 PDC World Championship, has chosen to participate in the WDF Women's World Championship in recent years.
Due to stringent PDC regulations, she is unable to compete in both tournaments, forcing her to make a tough choice. However, with her continued dominance in the women's game, boasting three WDF world titles and two PDC World Matchplay crowns in her trophy collection, it seems increasingly likely that she will return to Alexandra Palace this year.
Lorraine Winstanley, who will also be part of the Women's Matchplay field on Sunday, supports this move, believing it is time for the Doncaster thrower to challenge herself on the sport's grandest stage once more.
"It's a really difficult decision for her and she'll upset people whatever she chooses," said Winstanley. "At the end of the day, the decision is hers. Personally, I feel like she should be looking to do the PDC this time.
"If she was on the verge of winning nine [women's] World Championships and challenging Trina [Gulliver] for the record [of 10], it might be different. But considering where she is in her career, I think it's time for her to make that change. Ultimately, it's up to her and she's got to do what's best for her."
Winstanley believes that Greaves' exceptional talent is elevating the entire standard of women's darts. She added: "She's just on a whole different level to all the other women.
"Across the board, the bar has been raised. Everybody is playing better darts because everybody wants a piece of the action. You've got to play better. And she's lovely. She's such a chilled person. For such a young girl, she's got such a lot of experience. She's really interesting to talk to."
Greaves will begin her title defence at the Women's World Matchplay against Finnish newcomer Kirsi Viinikainen when the fourth edition of the £25,000 tournament takes place at the Winter Gardens on Sunday.
Eight players have qualified through a 12-month Order of Merit based on PDC Women's Series prize money from 28 events since last July, with Greaves returning to Blackpool as top seed.
Winstanley will take on second seed Noa-Lynn van Leuven, who will be making her third straight Winter Gardens bow. Meanwhile, Fallon Sherrock and Laura Ashton will both extend their perfect attendance records in Blackpool, with 2024 finalist Sherrock drawn against debutant Gemma Hayter.
The remaining quarter-final will pit four-time BDO women's world champion Ashton against Ireland's Robyn Women's Matchplay victor will secure a spot at November's Grand Slam of Darts and the 2025/26 World Darts Championship, alongside a top prize of £10,000.
