Sky Sports pundit Laura Turner has given her thoughts after Beau Greaves insisted men’s and ladies’ darts should remain separate.
Greaves made the comments after successfully defending her World Matchplay crown last week.
The victory has awarded her places in the Grand Slam of Darts and PDC World Championship, though the 20-year-old has opted to turn down her spot at Alexandra Palace.
In her post-match interview, she insisted the PDC should provide more women-only tournaments and revealed she does not look forward to the Grand Slam.
Whilst Turner respects her decision to play in the WDF Women’s World Championship, she disagrees with Greaves’ assertion that women won’t ever be able to compete with men.
Turner says Beau Greaves is the ‘best ever’
Many people were surprised at the strength of Greaves’ comments given her ability.
The Doncaster native has a catalogue of ton-plus averages to her name and has demonstrated in previous events that she can compete with the men.
Speaking to Tungsten Tales, Turner hailed her as the best lady player she’s seen and backed her to get even better.
She said: “Beau is the best female player I’ve ever seen. How she plays, the numbers she posts and if she is saying the women can’t compete, you’ve got to sit up and listen.
“It’s not impossible for the women to compete with the men but it needs consistency and winning tournaments over a very long format and that’s not something we’re really exposed to at the moment.”
Greaves’ comments a dilemma for the PDC
PDC President Barry Hearn has historically always been against an exclusive women’s tour, proclaiming that the PDC is open to anyone who is good enough.
The corporation’s view has changed since Fallon Sherrock’s heroics at the 2020 World Championship, but it remains to be seen whether there’s a full commitment to the women’s game.
It is unlikely that women will be able to consistently compete with men in the near future as the ladies’ game is in its primitive stages in comparison.
Turner has suggested a women-only UK Open type tournament to encourage more females to play darts.
Whichever path the PDC decide to pursue, they must take on board the opinions of the top female stars within the sport.