Beau Greaves collects her third Betfred Women’s World Matchplay title at the Winter Gardens

Beau Greaves claimed a record-extending third Betfred Women’s World Matchplay title after edging past Fallon Sherrock to win Sunday’s final in Blackpool.

The fifth staging of the premier PDC women’s tournament took place at the Winter Gardens, with Greaves returning to glory after missing out last year by downing Sherrock 6-5.

Greaves kicked off her title bid with an assured 5-1 triumph over Finnish star Kirsi Viinikainen, which included back-to-back finishes of 148 and 144 to take the early initiative.

The 22-year-old then survived a scare against Gemma Hayter, sealing victory in a last-leg decider courtesy of another ton-plus finish to reach her third final in four years on the Fylde coast.

Greaves thereby set up a winner-takes-all clash with Sherrock in the final, where her opponent took the early lead courtesy of an 87 checkout to break throw and lead 2-1.

Nevertheless, the Players Championship 11 winner immediately struck back with a tidy 120 finish and created daylight after capitalising on missed darts at double from Sherrock to break and lead 5-3.

Sherrock took an 11-dart leg, followed by a neat 70 checkout, to take the match to a last-leg decider which Greaves sealed with a 15-darter.

“I’m not one to celebrate, but I just felt the relief after winning,” said Greaves, who also scooped £15,000 for her victory.

“I didn’t think I would ease through it but after the disappointment I had last year, I’m so chuffed just to get the win.

“I don’t think me or Fallon played our A-game, but just to win and get over the line is such a massive thing.

“I had my family here as well and it’s so nice - the one tournament I have every year where everyone comes to support me - I’m so chuffed that the trophy is mine.

“I play darts for enjoyment but now it’s my job, but I love the game. I cannot get enough of it and to be able to support the ladies’ game is a massive thing.

“I want to play even better. I win tournaments on the floor, but I think my stage game has got to improve and I know that but I’m going to enjoy this win.”

Greaves’ victory also secured her place in the 2026 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts and the 2026/27 Paddy Power World Darts Championship, having featured in both tournaments last year.

Sherrock, the 2022 champion, had started her campaign by whitewashing Deta Hedman to reach the semi-finals, denying her opponent a dart at double throughout the contest.

The number three seed then blew away defending champion Lisa Ashton 5-1, missing just three darts at double in a clinical display to reach a third consecutive final.

“I will definitely take the positives,” insisted Sherrock, who fell short in a last-leg decider for the second consecutive year.

“If somebody had said to me I’d get to the final, I’d have bitten their hand off.

“Beau deserved to win. She was the better player, so full credit to her.

“Hopefully this kickstarts my season. My main aim is to get to the World Championship, so if I can regroup my game, you never know, I might go on a run again.”

Ashton had progressed to the last four after accounting for Wales’ Rhian O’Sullivan 5-2, including a 120 finish.

In the other quarter-final, Hayter pipped Vicky Pruim in a deciding leg after rallying from 4-2 down to reach a maiden semi-final in Blackpool.