This weekend marks a pivotal moment in women’s darts as the PDC Women’s Series stages its final four events (17-20). With crucial spots for the World Darts Championship and the Grand Slam of Darts on the line, the competition is fierce. While Beau Greaves has virtually secured her place at the top, the battle for the remaining qualification spots is wide open, promising thrilling action and potential upsets as players like Fallon Sherrock, Eleanor Cairns, Kirsi Viinikainen, and Karolina Ratajska aim to make their mark.
High Stakes: World Championship & Grand Slam Qualification
The stakes couldn’t be higher as the 2026 Women’s Series season draws to a close. Players are battling for coveted spots in two of professional darts’ most prestigious tournaments:
- World Darts Championship: The top three players in the final 2026 Women’s Series Order of Merit will earn a direct qualification for December’s World Darts Championship.
- Grand Slam of Darts: The player who finishes first in the Order of Merit will also secure a place in November’s Grand Slam of Darts.
The Current Landscape
As we head into events 17-20, the leaderboard tells an interesting story:
- Beau Greaves is in a league of her own. She has amassed more than double the prize money of her closest competitor, **Lisa Ashton**, making her virtually guaranteed to finish first and secure her Grand Slam spot.
- Lisa Ashton currently holds a comfortable second place.
- The most intense battle is for the crucial third qualification spot. **Fallon Sherrock** currently occupies this position, but she faces strong competition from several talented players who are hot on her heels.
Players like **Vicky Pruim**, **Gemma Hayter**, and **Deta Hedman** are all within striking distance, meaning this weekend’s results could drastically shake up the standings.
Players to Watch This Weekend
With four events packed into one weekend at the Mattioli Arena, these players are poised to make a significant impact:
Eleanor Cairns: The Rising Star
**Eleanor Cairns** comes into this weekend with momentum, having won **Event 16** back in June. She secured a thrilling 5-4 victory over Angela Kirkwood in the final, showcasing her clutch performance with an average just shy of 80 in that decisive match. Cairns currently sits in 13th place in the Order of Merit, but a strong performance across these four events could easily propel her into the top 10, bringing her closer to those coveted qualification spots.
Kirsi Viinikainen: Finland’s Firing Force
Finnish darting talent **Kirsi Viinikainen** proved her mettle in Event 15 in June, reaching the semi-finals before a 5-1 loss to Lisa Ashton. Throughout that event, Viinikainen consistently delivered stellar darts, averaging over 80 three times. Her standout performance was in the quarter-finals against England’s Steph Clarke, where she averaged an impressive **83.27** in a dominant 5-1 win. Keep an eye on Viinikainen to deliver more high-scoring darts this weekend.
Karolina Ratajska: Polish Powerhouse
**Karolina Ratajska** arrives fresh off a recent success, having won the Polish Cup last weekend alongside her husband, Krzysztof Ratajski. She also made a significant impression in Event 14 of the Women’s Series earlier this year, reaching the final before being whitewashed by the formidable Beau Greaves. Notably, in the Last 16 of that same event, Ratajska defeated darts icon **Fallon Sherrock** with a strong 4-2 win, averaging an excellent **84.80**. Her recent form and ability to beat top players make her a serious contender to watch.
What’s at Stake?
The Mattioli Arena is set to witness an electrifying weekend of darts. With qualification for the World Darts Championship and the Grand Slam hanging in the balance, every dart thrown will count. Expect drama, high-quality play, and potential shifts in the Order of Merit as these talented women battle for their darting futures.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
