Beau Greaves Edges Fallon Sherrock in Epic Final to Secure Record Third Women's World Matchplay Title

Greaves triumphs in dramatic Blackpool showdown

Beau Greaves cemented her status as the dominant force in women's darts by defeating Fallon Sherrock 6-5 in a thrilling last-leg decider to win the Women's World Matchplay for a record-extending third time at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

In a final that lived up to its billing, Greaves held her nerve under immense pressure, producing a crucial 180 before a superb 145 setup left her needing just 56 for the title. She calmly pinned double 10 to seal another memorable victory and lift the trophy for the third time.

A historic third crown

The triumph adds to Greaves' previous Women's World Matchplay titles in 2023 and 2024, making her the first player in the tournament's history to win three championships.

Ironically, it was Fallon Sherrock who stood in her way once again, just as she had in the 2024 final when Greaves claimed a comfortable 6-3 victory. Two years later, the contest was far more dramatic, but the outcome remained the same.

The latest success further strengthens Greaves' reputation as the leading figure in women's darts.

A remarkable year continues

Greaves' latest title caps an extraordinary 2026 campaign that has already seen her rewrite the history books.

Earlier this season, "Beau 'n' Arrow" became the first woman ever to win a PDC Pro Tour event after claiming Players Championship 11. She also recorded a spectacular nine-dart finish on tour and became the first female player to qualify for a European Tour event.

Winning another major title in Blackpool adds yet another milestone to what is already the finest season of her career.

Sherrock pushes Greaves all the way

The final was expected to be a battle between the two biggest names in women's darts, and neither player disappointed.

Sherrock made the stronger start, breaking throw in the third leg to move ahead early. However, Greaves immediately responded to level the contest at 2-2 before producing a stunning 120 checkout in just 12 darts to seize the momentum.

From that point onwards, neither player was able to establish complete control as the match evolved into a tense back-and-forth contest filled with high-quality finishing.

Greaves appeared to have one hand on the trophy after breaking throw in the eighth leg to move within one leg of victory, but Sherrock refused to surrender.

The former World Championship semifinalist produced an outstanding response, breaking back with an impressive 11-dart leg before finishing 70 on double 16 to force a deciding leg.

Champion's composure under pressure

With everything on the line, Greaves once again demonstrated why she is considered one of the most composed players in the sport.

She opened the deciding leg with a maximum 180 before brilliantly setting up 56 with a silky 145 score. Needing just one clean finish to retain her crown, Greaves confidently landed double 10 to spark celebrations inside the Winter Gardens.

It was a fitting conclusion to one of the highest-quality Women's World Matchplay finals ever staged.

Greaves: "It was relief more than celebration"

Speaking after her victory, Greaves admitted that her overwhelming emotion was relief rather than celebration.

"I'm not one to celebrate but it was relief in the end," she told Sky Sports. "Fallon is a great lass and an even better darts player. I knew I had to play well, and hitting that final dart was just an outpouring of relief."

Despite adding another major trophy to her collection, the 21-year-old insisted she still has plenty of room for improvement.

"I was nervous, but that kind of pressure is a privilege. I just love my life. I love playing darts and I can't get enough of it. My goal is simply to keep getting better."

Another heartbreaking finish for Sherrock

For Fallon Sherrock, the defeat marked another painful near miss on the Blackpool stage.

She has now finished runner-up in the Women's World Matchplay three years in succession, losing to Beau Greaves in both 2024 and 2026 after falling to Lisa Ashton in the 2025 final.

Although the title once again slipped through her fingers, Sherrock's resilient display and refusal to give in ensured the final became a memorable spectacle for darts fans, while reinforcing the growing rivalry between two of the sport's biggest stars.