Beau Greaves has qualified for the Grand Slam of Darts for the second time after lifting the Women’s World Matchplay.
Greaves averaged just shy of 100 in the final to successfully defend her crown against ‘Queen of the Palace’ Fallon Sherrock.
The victory qualifies her for the Grand Slam as well as the World Championship, though she revealed she will turn down her spot at Alexandra Palace.
Whilst players like Sherrock – who reached the Grand Slam quarter-final in 2021 – relish playing against men, Greaves has a different view.
The 20-year-old revealed after her title victory that though grateful for the opportunity, she firmly believes men and women should be separate in darts.
Beau Greaves not looking forward to playing darts against men
The Doncaster native is widely considered one of the greatest female dart players ever despite being only 20.
Despite expectations that she could make inroads on the PDC Pro Tour one day, she insisted her aim is to grow the ladies’ game.
Speaking to Darts Now, she said: “When I go to the Grand Slam, I don’t really look forward to it because I know I’ve got to play men. It’s different, I don’t fancy my chances at all.
“I’m just realistic. The men are just a lot more consistent and obviously, we’re not, it’s just how it is.”
The two-time World Champion added: “I’m a big believer in men’s and ladies’ darts should be separate. I just want more for the ladies’ game, I think we deserve a separate part of it.
“I don’t think we will ever be good enough to play against the likes of Luke Humphries, Van Gerwen, even [Luke] Littler.”
Speaking to the Weekly Dartscast, Greaves admitted: “It’s [Grand Slam] not even on the agenda at the minute, I think I’ll probably just take what comes up before and just try and slow down the darts a bit and just enjoy what I’ve won.”
Greaves stance may force action from PDC
The words from the newly crowned World Matchplay Champion were strong and it would be difficult for the PDC to not take notice.
Greaves is arguably the biggest name in ladies’ darts alongside Sherrock and her message to the PDC will carry weight.
The organisation hosts the Women’s Series and Women’s World Matchplay but offer few additional opportunities for women exclusively.
PDC Chief Executive Matthew Porter may well be exploring scope for expansion with women only tournaments to appease Greaves, who will unlikely be alone in her opinions.
Expect to see the PDC to further invest in the women’s game in the coming years which may include the reintroduction of the PDC Women’s World Championship some way down the line.