Beau Greaves became the first woman to win a PDC ranking title with a historic 8-7 victory over Michael Smith in Monday’s Players Championship 11 final in Milton Keynes.
Greaves came through in a last-leg decider thanks to a stunning 142 checkout, while she also reeled in The Big Fish finish of 170 for a 6-3 lead earlier in the contest.
Making Greaves’ achievement all the more remarkable was that fact that the 22-year-old disposed of three former world champions across her final three matches.
As well as 2023 winner Smith in the final, Greaves saw off two-time champion Gary Anderson with a thumping 7-1 win in their semi-final, while she also beat 2018 world champion Rob Cross 6-5 in the quarters.
Anderson had earlier hit a nine-darter in his last-16 tie with Alexander Merkx.
Greaves’ shock at ‘unbelievable’ win
“I never thought I’d win one of these. Never, ever,” an emotional Greaves said after her victory.
“I’m so happy. I can’t even describe the way I feel. It’s unbelievable and I feel so proud of myself.
“I never thought that I’d come in here today and win this. I know I’ve got the ability to do so, and I know I’ve got the talent for it, but to play the players I’m playing… I beat Gary Anderson – I couldn’t believe it!
“I don’t know what’s happening. I’m beating players that I’ve watched growing up, it’s just amazing.
“Aside from winning Lakeside [three-time WDF women’s world darts champion], this is my best ever achievement, and hopefully I can kick on now and do well on the television.
“I’m absolutely chuffed!”
2026 Players Championship 11: Results
Last 16
Wessel Nijman 6-1 Leon Weber
Gary Anderson 6-1 Alexander Merkx
Rob Cross 6-2 Ross Smith
Beau Greaves 6-4 Karel Sedlacek
Michael Smith 6-4 Joe Hunt
Andrew Gilding 6-3 Callan Rydz
William O’Connor 6-3 Cristo Reyes
Kevin Doets 6-1 Max Hopp
Quarter-Finals
Gary Anderson 6-3 Wessel Nijman
Beau Greaves 6-5 Rob Cross
Michael Smith 6-5 Andrew Gilding
Kevin Doets 6-1 William O’Connor
Semi-Finals
Beau Greaves 7-1 Gary Anderson
Michael Smith 7-4 Kevin Doets
Final
Beau Greaves 8-7 Michael Smith
Who will win this year’s Premier League Darts? Luke Humphries will be defending his title and you can watch the action every single Thursday until May on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW.
