Beau Greaves Aims for a Deep Run at the PDC World Championship

Beau Greaves targets a deep run at Ally Pally

Beau Greaves, a 21-year-old who has been tipped as a future star of darts, opens her PDC World Championship campaign on Friday with a test against 22nd seed Daryl Gurney at London's Alexandra Palace.

Bookmakers deem Greaves the favorite to beat Gurney and advance to the second round, despite her limited prior experience at the World Championship venue. The field at this year’s event features 128 players, a larger stage than she has previously faced.

Greaves rose to prominence after defeating world champion Luke Littler on the way to the World Youth Championship final, a result that drew massive online interest as fans chased live score updates. She had already been enjoying a long, unbeaten run on the Women's Series, cementing her place among the tournament’s elite performers.

Littler, who became the youngest world darts champion at 17, said he’d prefer to avoidGreaves if the draw allowed. He praised her talent, noting that she has already claimed the Women’s World Championship title multiple times and has dominated the Women’s Series for years.

Veteran player Raymond van Barneveld has suggested a strong showing at the Worlds could lead to an invitation to the eight-player Premier League, though not everyone agrees. Former world champion Gerwyn Price called that idea a joke in a separate interview.

Historically, only Fallon Sherrock has recorded wins on the main stage at Ally Pally, with Greaves’ own World Championship debut ending in a first-round defeat to William O’Connor three years ago.

From hobbyist to headline act

Greaves began playing at age 10, practicing in her brother’s bedroom and even earning a Blue Peter badge for her darts achievements. She balanced training with everyday life and once joked that she found time for Fortnite between rounds. Even as her profile rises, she continues to play league darts at a local Doncaster club to stay grounded.

In 2024 she publicly stated that women should not be expected to regularly beat the top men, a stance she later revised as she gained experience. While she acknowledges it would take an exceptional, long-form run to win the World Championship, she hasn’t ruled out the possibility entirely.

Last season’s results, including a runner-up finish on the Development Tour that earned her a two-year professional tour card, have boosted her confidence. Recent televised appearances, including close battles against former world champions, have reinforced her belief that she can compete with the sport’s best.

Her current status places her at around 120th in the PDC world rankings, a figure expected to rise once she steps onto the main tour. Observers note that the shift from the Women’s Series to the main circuit will bring new challenges—an adjustment many players face when facing higher levels of competition.

Looking ahead in the current Championship, a win over Gurney would pit Greaves against Callan Rydz in round two, with 11th seed Josh Rock potentially awaiting in the third round. Pundits, including former PDC contestant Matt Edgar, believe Greaves could go further than some expect, given her demonstrated skill and composure under pressure.

Luke Humphries, the 2024 World Champion and current world No. 2, believes Greaves will benefit from joining the main tour next year, though he cautions that adjusting to losses will be part of the learning curve. He argued that with more time on the circuit, she could rise into the sport’s upper echelon.

Greaves’ journey continues to attract attention as she balances professional ambition with a grounded routine, continuing to play in local leagues while preparing for the world stage.

Expert opinion: Darts observers say her talent is undeniable and her maturity under pressure stands out for someone so young. With more top-level experience, she could become a regular contender on the biggest nights.

Summary

Beau Greaves enters the World Championship as a rising star with strong form on the Women’s Series and a notable youth success. She faces a stern test against Daryl Gurney in round one, but the event’s momentum suggests she could challenge deep into the tournament if she maintains her level. Industry voices see a bright future, with a potential rise into the sport’s top ranks as she gains main-tour experience.

Key insight: Beau Greaves has already proven she can compete with the best in the world, and with more experience on the main tour she could emerge as a leading contender in major events. BBC Sport

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