Beau Greaves, a rising star in the world of darts, is positioned for a potential spot in the Premier League next season, contingent on her performance at the upcoming World Darts Championship. The 21-year-old player has already secured her place on the professional circuit for two years starting from the 2026 season and will compete in the Grand Slam of Darts, where she is set to face top players such as Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson.
Greaves has made headlines recently by defeating reigning world champion Luke Littler in a nail-biting final match, becoming the first woman to reach the final of the World Youth Championship against defending champion Gian van Veen. Her remarkable achievements have garnered support from seasoned players, including the legendary Raymond van Barneveld, who believes that Greaves is ready to make an impact on the ProTour in the upcoming year.
Van Barneveld expressed pride in Greaves’ accomplishments, noting her impressive journey in the sport. “She has beaten me 6-4 and defeated Littler in the semi-finals of the World Youth Championship,” he stated. “That says it all. An 11-dart finish in the last leg is a testament to her skills. She is going to cause trouble next year on the ProTour.”
The World Darts Championship will take place from December 11, 2023, to January 3, 2024, and Greaves’ performance during this event will be crucial for her aspirations of securing a spot in the Premier League. Van Barneveld emphasized that if she performs well, her entry into the league is highly likely.
With a remarkable record of 86 consecutive match victories, Greaves has dominated the PDC Women’s Series rankings. Her winning streak has included victories across 13 successive events, and she has not lost a match since April. Additionally, she finished second in the Development Tour rankings, securing a Tour Card for the 2026/27 season.
Last year, during her groundbreaking run at the UK Open, Greaves put up a formidable fight against the men’s world number one, Luke Humphries, ultimately losing 10-7 after leading 7-5 at one point. This performance showcased her ability to compete at the highest levels, with Van Barneveld stating, “She has the ability to compete with the best players in the world.”
Her consistent high averages have drawn praise from analysts, with Wayne Mardle and Laura Turner highlighting her elegant throwing technique. “If you want to learn how to play darts, Beau is the one to look at,” Turner remarked. “Her rhythm is lovely, and she just doesn’t miss. You have to be at your best to compete against her.”
As the Premier League format continues to evolve, it has seen various changes over the years. Currently, the league features eight players competing over 17 consecutive Thursday nights, with points awarded for each match played. The top four players after the regular season qualify for the playoffs.
Van Barneveld reflected on the current challenges faced by players, noting that the demanding schedule can lead to fatigue and injuries. “You hear a lot of players suffering with injury and skipping tournaments,” he stated.
As Greaves prepares for the World Darts Championship, her supporters eagerly anticipate her performance, hoping she can secure a place in the Premier League next year. With her impressive skills and determination, she is poised to make significant strides in the sport, embodying the potential for greater representation of women in professional darts.
