2026 Women’s World Matchplay Preview: History, Format, Player Profiles, and Quarter-Final Breakdown

The stage is set for a landmark afternoon in female darts as the fifth staging of the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay takes center stage at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool. Taking place on the afternoon of Sunday, July 26, before the men’s final in the evening, eight of the world’s elite female throwers will compete in the Empress Ballroom for a share of the £40,000 prize pot, the title, and a Grand Slam qualification spot.

This tournament continues to act as a vital showcase for the women’s game, offering an unmatched platform on Sky Sports. With former champions, legendary pioneers, and surging international debutants all present in an incredible eight-player field, this year’s staging promises high-octane drama from the opening leg

Women’s World Matchplay Tournament Format

The Women’s World Matchplay operates as a fast-paced, high-stakes knockout tournament completed across a single, action-packed afternoon session.

• Quarter-Finals: Best of 9 legs (First to 5)

• Semi-Finals: Best of 9 legs (First to 5)

• Final: Best of 11 legs (First to 6)

Because the distance in the early rounds is short, players have virtually zero margin for error. A slow start or a missed combination outer-ring finish can derail a campaign in a matter of minutes.

The Ultimate Rewards

Beyond the £15,000 top prize for the champion, the rewards for lifting the trophy in Blackpool are career-defining. The winner automatically earns a coveted spot at the 2026 Grand Slam of Darts in November, as well as direct qualification to the 2026/27 PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.

A Look Back at Previous Women’s World Matchplay Stagings

Since its inception in 2022, the Women’s World Matchplay has delivered iconic moments inside the Empress Ballroom.

The inaugural tournament in

saw Fallon Sherrock make history as the first name etched onto the trophy, defeating Aileen de Graaf in the final.

In 2023, Beau Greaves arrived on her Blackpool debut and dominated the field, dropping only four legs across the entire afternoon and thrashing Mikuru Suzuki 6-1 in the final to lift her maiden Matchplay title.

The 2024 edition reinforced Greaves’ supremacy as she completed back-to-back victories at the Winter Gardens, cementing her status as the benchmark in women’s darts.

However, the 2025 staging produced a sensational narrative shift when veteran trail-blazer Lisa Ashton finally captured the one major crown that had eluded her. Ashton produced a vintage display in the 2025 final, defeating Greaves to claim the trophy and return to the top tier of the sport.

Ashton now returns to the Winter Gardens as the defending champion, while Greaves seeks to reclaim her crown and Sherrock targets a second title

The 2026 Women’s World Matchplay Entrants

Qualification for the tournament was determined by the 12-month rolling PDC Women’s Series Order of Merit. Here is a look at the eight players who earned their spot in Blackpool.

1. Beau Greaves (Seed 1)

The 22-year-old superstar tops the rankings with an astonishing £45,700 earned over the rolling 12-month qualification period. Greaves continues to operate at a standard rarely seen in the women’s game, highlighted by an unprecedented 114-match winning streak on the Women’s Series circuit between April 2025 and March 2026. The two-time Blackpool winner combines ruthless scoring with world-class setup play, making her the undisputed tournament favorite.

2. Lisa Ashton (Seed 2)

The four-time BDO World Champion and reigning Women’s World Matchplay titleholder returns to her home county of Lancashire as the number two seed with £15,550 in prize money. Ashton’s consistency across the 2025/2026 season has proven that ‘The Lancashire Rose’ remains one of the ultimate match-players in the sport. Her composure on stage and lethal double hitting make her a form candidate to go back-to-back.

3. Fallon Sherrock (Seed 3)

‘The Queen of the Palace’ enters Blackpool as the third seed with £13,150 in qualifying earnings. Sherrock holds an ever-present record at the Women’s World Matchplay, having featured in all five stagings. Known for her high-scoring maximums and calm demeanor under the television lights, the 2022 champion remains a dangerous contender capable of beating anyone on her day.

4. Gemma Hayter (Seed 4)

Gemma Hayter has enjoyed a breakout 12 months to secure the fourth seed spot with £9,800. Featuring in two Women’s Series finals and four semi-finals in 2026 alone, Hayter has demonstrated impressive consistency. After losing to Sherrock on her Blackpool debut 12 months ago, Hayter returns as a far more refined and dangerous player.

5. Vicky Pruim (Seed 5)

Sweden’s Vicky Pruim makes her long-awaited Women’s World Matchplay debut as the fifth seed with £8,250. Pruim etched her name in the history books earlier this season by becoming the first Swedish player to win a PDC Women’s Series title, notably defeating Gemma Hayter in the final to seal her Blackpool qualification.

6. Deta Hedman (Seed 6)

An absolute icon of world darts, 66-year-old Deta Hedman makes her debut appearance at the Women’s World Matchplay. Hedman qualified in sixth position with £7,500 after capturing her second career Women’s Series title earlier this summer. With over 200 career title wins, Hedman brings unmatched experience to the Empress Ballroom stage.

7. Rhian O’Sullivan (Seed 7)

Wales’ top female player Rhian O’Sullivan qualifies in seventh spot with £6,300, marking her third appearance at the Winter Gardens. O’Sullivan is renowned for her fierce scoring power and big-stage pedigree, having previously reached two Lakeside world finals.

8. Kirsi Viinikainen (Seed 8)

Finland’s Kirsi Viinikainen rounds out the elite field as the eighth seed with £6,150. Viinikainen returns to Blackpool for a second consecutive year, having established herself as one of northern Europe’s finest female talents with consistent quarter-final and semi-final runs on the Women’s Series.

Women’s World Matcplay Quarter-Final Previews

Match 1: (1) Beau Greaves vs. (8) Kirsi Viinikainen

The tournament opens with a repeat of last year’s quarter-final clash. Beau Greaves enters as the heavy favorite, boasting a massive scoring edge and big-stage comfort. Viinikainen possesses a smooth, rapid throwing rhythm, but she will need to convert every checkout opportunity that falls her way. If Greaves establishes her scoring early, expect the top seed to advance smoothly into the semi-finals.

Match 2: (4) Gemma Hayter vs. (5) Vicky Pruim

This is arguably the most evenly matched quarter-final on paper. Hayter and Pruim have forged a close rivalry on the Women’s Series this year, with Pruim defeating Hayter in May to claim her maiden title. Hayter’s heavy scoring floor will give her a slight edge over the best-of-9 distance, but debutant Pruim has shown nerves of steel in tight leg battles. Expect a tense tie that could go all nine legs.

Match 3: (2) Lisa Ashton vs. (7) Rhian O’Sullivan

Defending champion Lisa Ashton faces a tough opening test against Wales’ Rhian O’Sullivan. Both players are veterans of the sport who thrive under pressure. Ashton’s route to victory lies in her setup play and clinical cover shooting, whereas O’Sullivan will look to dominate on the 140s and 180s. Ashton’s recent stage record at Blackpool gives her the advantage, but O’Sullivan has the power to pull off an upset if Ashton starts cold.

Match 4: (3) Fallon Sherrock vs. (6) Deta Hedman

A blockbuster battle between the pioneer who broke PDC barriers and the grand dame of women’s darts. Sherrock’s scoring capability on Sky Sports stages is well-documented, but Hedman’s tactical intelligence and vast experience mean she won’t be intimidated by the atmosphere. Over a short best-of-9 format, Sherrock’s higher maximum frequency should prove decisive, but Hedman will punish any slack dart on a double.

Schedule of Play & Broadcast Information

• Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026

• Session Start: 1:00pm BST

• Venue: Winter Gardens, Blackpool

• TV Coverage: Sky Sports Main Event / Sky Sports Mix (UK), DAZN, Viaplay, PDCTV

Make sure to follow Online Darts across YouTube, TikTok, X, and Facebook for complete, non-stop coverage of the 2026 Women’s World Matchplay! We will be bringing you live leg-by-leg score updates, exclusive backstage press room interviews, and immediate reaction direct from the Winter Gardens throughout the afternoon.