Beau Greaves makes European Tour history with Czech Darts Open triumph “I was so nervous at the start, I don’t know why”
Beau Greaves makes European Tour history with Czech Darts Open triumph “I was so nervous at the start, I don’t know why”
Beau Greaves made European Tour history on Friday night, becoming the first woman to win a match on the PDC’s European Tour with a 6-4 victory over Daryl Gurney at the 2026 ČEZ Czech Darts Open.
The three-time Women’s World Matchplay champion produced a brilliant comeback in Prague to see off the three-time Premier event winner and book her place in the second round, where she will face defending champion and world number two Luke Humphries.
Greaves had come agonisingly close to a landmark victory on her European Tour debut last week, losing a last-leg decider against Rob Cross at the Hungarian Darts Trophy.
This time, however, the 22-year-old refused to let the opportunity slip away.
It was Gurney who initially took control of the contest, moving 3-1 ahead after producing a sensational 144 checkout — the same combination which had helped the Northern Irishman defeat Greaves at the 2025/26 World Championship last December.
But Greaves responded in emphatic fashion.
The Doncaster star rattled off three consecutive legs in 14, 13 and 11 darts to turn the match around and move 4-3 ahead, before Gurney immediately hit back to level the contest at 4-4.
With history within touching distance, Greaves showed remarkable composure.
She broke throw in the ninth leg to move within one of victory before holding her nerve in the decider, eventually sealing the win on double one to spark jubilant celebrations in the Czech capital.
The victory sees Greaves become the first female player to win a match on the European Tour since its inception 15 years ago.
“It feels amazing,” said Greaves.
“It’s just so nice to win a game, I was so nervous at the start, I don’t know why. It took me so long to get settled, but luckily I did enough to win the game.
“It means loads to me, the crowd’s fantastic. It’s such a tight stage and you feel so much from the crowd. I’m really enjoying it and loving the experience.”
Greaves now faces another huge challenge on Saturday when she takes on three-time Czech Darts Open champion Humphries.
The pair previously met on the big stage at the 2025 UK Open, and Greaves is relishing another opportunity to test herself against one of the world’s elite.
“I’ve played Luke on the big stage before so I know what to expect, he’s world class so I’m going to have to play a lot better than I did tonight,” she admitted.
“What more do you want than on a Euro Tour to play one of the best players in the world? I’ll look forward to it and I’ll be ready.”
SPRINGER SET FOR LITTLER REMATCH
Greaves wasn’t the only player to book a blockbuster second-round tie, with Niko Springer setting up a rematch against World Champion Luke Littler.
The German produced a dominant display against Martin Homola, averaging more than 102 as he cruised to a 6-0 victory.
Springer will now renew his rivalry with Littler, with the pair having previously met at the World Matchplay.
For Springer, the victory was particularly important as he continues his push for qualification for next month’s World Grand Prix in Leicester.
“I’m looking at the race for the World Grand Prix at the moment, so every win is very important,” said Springer.
“I think this one was especially important, so I’m very happy and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.
“I have nothing to lose to be honest. I’m feeling very confident. Of course it will be hard, but it’s best of 11, so let’s go, I’m ready!”
HETA SILENCES PRAGUE CROWD
Damon Heta silenced the home support with a 6-4 victory over Czech number one Karel Sedlacek.
The Australian finished the contest in style, producing an 11-dart leg to secure his place in the second round, where he will meet former Premier League champion Jonny Clayton.
There was further disappointment for the Czech contingent as Polish number one Krzysztof Ratajski comfortably defeated Adam Gawlas 6-2.
Ratajski will now face Jermaine Wattimena in Saturday’s opening second-round contest.
Luke Woodhouse produced one of the comebacks of the opening day, recovering from 4-1 down against Connor Scutt by winning five consecutive legs to complete a remarkable 6-4 triumph.
The Englishman averaged more than 104 in an impressive display and will now face Stephen Bunting.
Kevin Doets also broke the 100-average barrier in a convincing 6-2 victory over Ricky Evans, earning a second-round meeting with fellow Dutchman Danny Noppert.
Stephen Burton claimed only the second European Tour win of his career with a 6-4 victory over Joe Cullen, who suffered a sixth consecutive defeat in Prague.
Burton will now face recent Hungarian Darts Trophy champion Ross Smith.
Mario Vandenbogaerde produced one of the biggest shocks of the day by defeating Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-2, earning a huge second-round meeting with three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen.
Callan Rydz secured his first European Tour win in 11 months with a dominant 6-1 victory, setting up a second-round clash with Gerwyn Price.
Martin Schindler recorded his first European Tour win since May with a 6-4 success over Rob Owen, setting up an all-German battle with ProTour number one Wessel Nijman.
Jeffrey de Graaf will meet European Champion Gian van Veen after defeating Niels Zonneveld 6-3.
Ryan Joyce edged out Kim Huybrechts 6-5 in a dramatic contest which dealt another blow to the Belgian’s hopes of qualifying for the World Grand Prix.
Keane Barry defeated Rob Cross 6-4 and will now face Chris Dobey.
Andrew Gilding and William O’Connor both enjoyed straightforward victories over Host Nation Qualifiers David Rosi and Jiri Brejcha respectively.
Cameron Menzies completed the day’s biggest winning margin with a 6-1 victory over Johan Engstrom, setting up an all-Scottish showdown with Gary Anderson.
The 2026 ČEZ Czech Darts Open continues on Saturday with 16 second-round ties, as World Champion Luke Littler returns to the European Tour stage alongside Humphries, Van Gerwen, Gian van Veen and the newly crowned history-maker Beau Greaves.
Beau Greaves makes European Tour history with Czech Darts Open triumph
2026 Czech Darts Open
Friday September 4
Round One
Afternoon Session
Cameron Menzies 6-1 Johan Engstrom
Andrew Gilding 6-3 David Rosi
Ryan Joyce 6-5 Kim Huybrechts
William O’Connor 6-1 Jiri Brejcha
Niko Springer 6-0 Martin Homola
Kevin Doets 6-2 Ricky Evans
Stephen Burton 6-3 Joe Cullen
Callan Rydz 6-1 Cristo Reyes
Evening Session
Luke Woodhouse 6-4 Connor Scutt
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-2 Adam Gawlas
Mario Vandenbogaerde 6-2 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Martin Schindler 6-4 Rob Owen
Beau Greaves 6-4 Daryl Gurney
Keane Barry 6-4 Rob Cross
Damon Heta 6-4 Karel Sedlacek
Jeffrey de Graaf 6-3 Niels Zonneveld
Saturday September 5
Round Two
Afternoon Session (1300 local time, 1200 BST)*
Jermaine Wattimena v Krzysztof Ratajski
Ryan Searle v William O’Connor
Danny Noppert v Kevin Doets
Gary Anderson v Cameron Menzies
Chris Dobey v Keane Barry
Ross Smith v Stephen Burton
Nathan Aspinall v Andrew Gilding
Wessel Nijman v Martin Schindler
Evening Session (1900 local time, 1800 BST)
Gian van Veen v Jeffrey de Graaf
Jonny Clayton v Damon Heta
Gerwyn Price v Callan Rydz
Luke Littler v Niko Springer
Luke Humphries v Beau Greaves
Michael van Gerwen v Mario Vandenbogaerde
Josh Rock v Ryan Joyce
Stephen Bunting v Luke Woodhouse
*Please note amendments to the schedule originally announced.
