The latest PDC Women’s Series weekend at the Robin Park Leisure Centre in Wigan was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing both consistent dominance and thrilling breakthroughs. Players battled fiercely across four events (13-16), setting the stage for future major tournaments.
Beau Greaves: Unstoppable Force Continues Her Reign
Kicking off the weekend, Beau Greaves reaffirmed her status as the sport’s leading female player, clinching back-to-back titles in Events 13 and 14. After a rare dip in form in previous events, the 22-year-old superstar returned with a vengeance, demonstrating why she holds an unparalleled record on the circuit.
In Event 13, Greaves showcased her precision, culminating in a dominant 5-0 whitewash victory over Sweden’s Vicky Pruim in the final. Her path included impressive wins, notably a 5-2 triumph over darts icon Fallon Sherrock. This victory marked her 56th PDC Women’s Series title.
She carried this momentum directly into Event 14, where she once again proved too strong for the competition. Greaves powered through to the final, where she faced Karolina Ratajska. In a repeat of an earlier showdown, Greaves secured a commanding 5-1 win, adding her 57th title to her ever-growing collection.
Greaves expressed her passion for the game and the circuit: “I love it! I get to see the girls, and I’m getting a lot of enjoyment out of playing the game.” Her enjoyment translates into historic performances, including becoming the first woman to win a ProTour title at Players Championship 11 earlier this year.
Lisa Ashton: The Queen of the Oche Breaks the Streak
Sunday brought a new chapter of drama, as Lisa Ashton, nicknamed “The Lancashire Rose,” delivered a masterclass performance in Event 15 to claim her second PDC Women’s Series title of the year. What made this victory particularly significant was her triumph over Beau Greaves in the final.
Ashton’s journey to her 20th career title was marked by overwhelming dominance, dropping just four legs across seven matches. She secured her spot in the final with a convincing 5-1 win over Kirsi Viinikainen. Facing Greaves, who had previously defeated Ashton in all three of their 2026 Women’s Series finals encounters, history seemed poised to repeat when Greaves took the opening leg. However, Ashton rallied spectacularly, winning five consecutive legs to seal a remarkable victory and break Greaves’ seemingly unstoppable run.
Eleanor Cairns: A Maiden Title in a Thrilling Finish
The weekend’s final event, Event 16, produced a truly memorable moment as Eleanor Cairns secured her maiden PDC Women’s Series title. The 22-year-old battled through a tough field, including a 5-2 win over Vicky Pruim, to reach the final against Angela Kirkwood.
The final was a captivating affair, with both players trading legs and pushing each other to the limit. It all came down to a dramatic deciding leg. Despite Kirkwood having multiple chances to close it out, Cairns held her nerve, hitting double-top with her second attempt to claim her first-ever title.
“I’m literally shaking, I can’t believe it!” a tearful Cairns exclaimed. “It’s been a struggle, ups and downs as darts is. But this is definitely one of the biggest things I’ve ever done!” Her emotional victory was a testament to her perseverance and talent.
The Race for the Women’s World Matchplay: Field Confirmed!
Beyond the individual victories, this weekend was crucial for qualification to the prestigious Betfred Women’s World Matchplay, taking place on Sunday, July 26, at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens. The intense competition saw players fighting for every point, culminating in the confirmation of the top eight qualifiers:
- Beau Greaves
- Lisa Ashton
- Fallon Sherrock
- Gemma Hayter
- Vicky Pruim
- Deta Hedman
- Rhian O’Sullivan
- Kirsi Viinikainen (who secured the final spot after Angela Kirkwood’s narrow loss in the Event 16 final)
Angela Kirkwood’s heartbreaking loss in the Event 16 final meant she missed out on a World Matchplay spot by less than £1,000, a cruel twist after a fantastic day that included wins over Greaves and Sherrock.
Beyond Blackpool: Pathways to Darts’ Biggest Stages
The PDC Women’s Series also serves as a crucial pathway to other major darts tournaments:
- The top three players from the final Women’s Series rankings will qualify for the 2026/27 Paddy Power World Darts Championship.
- The top-ranked player will also secure a spot in the 2026 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts.
This weekend’s action has further solidified the positions of the leading women in darts, promising even more exciting competition in the future.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
