The Betfred Women’s World Matchplay is set to ignite Blackpool’s Winter Gardens on Sunday, July 26th, promising high-stakes darts action. Reigning champion Lisa Ashton will defend her title against a formidable field of seven other elite players, including two-time winner Beau Greaves and 2022 champion Fallon Sherrock. This prestigious £40,000 tournament offers not only a £15,000 top prize but also coveted spots in the Grand Slam of Darts and the World Darts Championship. Get ready for thrilling quarter-final clashes as the best female dart players battle for supremacy!
The Stage is Set: Blackpool Awaits Darts Elite
The iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool will once again host the fifth annual Betfred Women’s World Matchplay on Sunday, July 26th. This highly anticipated event brings together the top eight female dart players from the past year, all vying for one of the most prestigious titles in women’s darts.
What’s at Stake? Glory, Cash, and Major Tournament Berths
Beyond the honour of being crowned champion, the stakes are incredibly high:
- Total Prize Fund: £40,000
- Winner’s Prize: An increased £15,000
- Major Qualification: The champion secures a spot in both November’s Grand Slam of Darts and the 2026/27 World Darts Championship. These are massive opportunities for any player to compete on the biggest stages.
How Players Qualified: The Road to Blackpool
The field of eight players is determined by their performance over the last 12 months on the Women’s Series circuit. Only the top eight players from the rolling Women’s Series rankings since last July earned their place in this showpiece event.
The Contenders and Their Quarter-Final Showdowns
Here’s a look at the exciting matchups confirmed for the opening round:
Defending Champion’s Challenge: Lisa Ashton vs. Rhian O’Sullivan
Lisa Ashton, the reigning champion and Lancashire’s own trailblazer, returns to Blackpool as the number two seed. “The Lancashire Rose” will begin her title defence against Wales’ Rhian O’Sullivan, who is making her third appearance at the Women’s World Matchplay. Ashton will be keen to replicate her 2025 success and prove why she’s a force to be reckoned with.
The #1 Seed’s Quest: Beau Greaves vs. Kirsi Viinikainen
Top seed Beau Greaves, a two-time winner (2023 & 2024), is aiming to reclaim the title. Greaves, known for her incredible talent and dominance, once achieved an unprecedented 114-match winning streak on the Women’s Series. She will face Finland’s Kirsi Viinikainen in a compelling rematch from the same stage of last year’s tournament. Expect fireworks!
The Inaugural Winner Returns: Fallon Sherrock vs. Deta Hedman
Fallon Sherrock, the “Queen of the Palace” and the tournament’s inaugural champion in 2022, is an ever-present figure at the Winter Gardens. After reaching back-to-back finals in 2024 and 2025, she’s hungry for another title. Sherrock will be pitted against debutant Deta Hedman, a 66-year-old icon who recently captured her second Women’s Series title to secure her qualification. This clash of experience and enduring talent promises to be a highlight.
Newcomers Clash: Gemma Hayter vs. Vicky Pruim
The final quarter-final match features Gemma Hayter against Sweden’s Vicky Pruim, another exciting newcomer. Hayter has shown consistent form throughout 2026, reaching two finals and four semi-finals to earn her fourth-place ranking. Pruim, meanwhile, celebrated her maiden Women’s Series title in May, confirming her well-deserved Blackpool debut. Both will be eager to make a strong impression on this grand stage.
Player Rankings and Earnings (12-Month Rolling)
The players qualified based on their earnings over the past year. Here’s a snapshot of the top eight:
- 1. Beau Greaves – £45,700
- 2. Lisa Ashton – £15,550
- 3. Fallon Sherrock – £13,150
- 4. Gemma Hayter – £9,800
- 5. Vicky Pruim – £8,250
- 6. Deta Hedman – £7,500
- 7. Rhian O’Sullivan – £6,300
- 8. Kirsi Viinikainen – £6,150
Don’t Miss the Action!
The Betfred Women’s World Matchplay promises a thrilling afternoon of darts. With top talent, high stakes, and captivating matchups, it’s an event not to be missed. Tune in on Sunday, July 26th, to witness who will etch their name into the history books!
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
