History made as Beau Greaves became the first woman to win a Pro Tour

Beau Greaves made history on Monday by becoming the first woman ever to win a PDC ranking title, defeating Michael Smith 8-7 in a dramatic Players Championship Eleven final in Milton Keynes.

The 22-year-old produced a sensational run throughout the day, winning seven consecutive matches and defeating three former world champions on her way to a landmark title that marks one of the most significant moments in modern darts.

Greaves’ historic triumph came after a thrilling deciding-leg battle with Smith in the final, capped by a nerveless 142 checkout on double 11 to seal the biggest win of her career.

Her route to glory was packed with standout performances. After opening with a 6-4 victory over Aden Kirk despite her opponent averaging over a ton, Greaves followed that with another 6-4 success against Thomas Lovely.

She then stepped up another level in the middle rounds, averaging above 97 in victories over Jeffrey Sparidaans and Karel Sedlacek to continue her deep run.

In the quarter-finals, Greaves produced one of the matches of the tournament to edge past former world champion Rob Cross in a last-leg decider. Averaging 102.56, she held off a near-106 average from Cross and broke throw with an 11-darter in the deciding leg to reach her first ProTour semi-final.

She then delivered arguably the performance of the day in the last four, demolishing Gary Anderson 7-1 with a stunning 105.56 average. After falling behind early, Greaves reeled off seven straight legs to sweep aside the two-time world champion.

That set up a blockbuster final against Smith, and the contest lived up to expectations.

Smith raced into a 2-0 lead before Greaves exploded into life, winning five consecutive legs—each in 15 darts or fewer—to take control of the final. A brilliant 121 finish ignited the run, and later a huge 170 checkout moved her within touching distance of the title.

Yet Smith refused to go quietly. The former world champion battled back with three straight legs to level at 6-6, forcing a dramatic finale.

Both players held throw to send the match into a deciding leg. Smith then produced a brilliant 142 setup shot to leave double ten and apply pressure, but Greaves answered in unforgettable fashion—taking out 142 herself to complete a stunning victory and write her name into the history books.

“Today I played really well. I’m so happy. I cannot even describe the way I feel,” said an emotional Greaves after the match.

“I don’t know whether I just thought about being the first woman to win a [ProTour] title but it caught up with me, so I honestly cannot believe I took out that 142!

“It’s unbelievable. I feel so proud of myself, because I was really struggling at the start of the year.

“Aside from winning the Lakeside, this is probably my best achievement ever. I never ever thought I’d win one of these!

“I’ve done really well on all the other tours. I know I’ve got the talent, but believing in yourself and having the confidence is another thing.

“I’m beating players I was watching growing up. I’m in disbelief! Now hopefully I can kick on and keep doing it, but it’s an amazing feeling.”

Despite defeat, Smith enjoyed an excellent run to the final, producing a series of comeback victories throughout the day. He survived multiple deciding-leg contests and repeatedly recovered from deficits, including wins over Marvin Kraft, Sebastian Bialecki, Chris Dobey and Andrew Gilding.

Elsewhere, Anderson also impressed despite his semi-final exit, landing a nine-darter during his fourth-round victory over Alexander Merkx while averaging over 110. He followed that with another brilliant display to eliminate top seed Wessel Nijman.

Kevin Doets rounded out the semi-finalists after another strong ProTour showing, defeating both Krzysztof Ratajski and William O’Connor en route.

Players Championship action continues on Tuesday with Event Twelve, where another 128-player field will compete for the £15,000 winner’s prize—but regardless of what happens next, Monday will be remembered as the day Greaves made darts history.

History made as Beau Greaves became the first woman to win a Pro Tour 

2026 Players Championship Eleven

Monday April 27

Arena MK, Milton Keynes

Last 16

Wessel Nijman 6-1 Leon Weber

Gary Anderson 6-1 Alexander Merkx

Rob Cross 6-2 Ross Smith

Beau Greaves 6-4 Karel Sedlacek

Michael Smith 6-4 Joe Hunt

Andrew Gilding 6-3 Callan Rydz

William O’Connor 6-3 Cristo Reyes

Kevin Doets 6-1 Max Hopp

Quarter-Finals

Gary Anderson 6-3 Wessel Nijman

Beau Greaves 6-5 Rob Cross

Michael Smith 6-5 Andrew Gilding

Kevin Doets 6-1 William O’Connor

Semi-Finals

Beau Greaves 7-1 Gary Anderson

Michael Smith 7-4 Kevin Doets

Final

Beau Greaves 8-7 Michael Smith

Nine-Darter!

Gary Anderson hit a nine-darter in his round four tie against Alexander Merkx.