Get ready for a thrilling showdown! The Betfred Women’s World Matchplay is set to ignite this Sunday in Blackpool, featuring a stellar lineup of darts’ finest. Defending champion Lisa Ashton aims for a second consecutive title, while inaugural winner Fallon Sherrock is hungry to reclaim her crown. However, the player everyone’s watching is top seed Beau Greaves, who enters as the overwhelming favourite after an unprecedented winning streak. This prestigious £40,000 event promises high drama, fierce competition, and a crucial spot in major darts championships for the victor.
The Stage is Set: Women’s World Matchplay Returns
The stage is set for an electrifying display of darts as the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay returns this Sunday afternoon, July 26th, at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool. This highly anticipated £40,000 event will see eight of the sport’s leading female players battle it out for glory, a coveted trophy, and crucial qualification spots for major championships.
The Contenders: Champions, Favorites, and Challengers
Lisa Ashton: The Defending Champion’s Quest for a Double
Lisa Ashton, the Lancashire veteran, is back to defend the title she dramatically won last year. Ashton, a four-time Lakeside Women’s champion, secured her victory in a nail-biting deciding-leg against Fallon Sherrock. She begins her defense against Welsh number one Rhian O’Sullivan, making her third appearance in the tournament.
“Winning this title last year was absolutely over the moon for me,” Ashton shared. “It’s always a dream to play here in Blackpool, but to win it in my hometown – it was absolutely brilliant. This was definitely one of my biggest achievements; it’s a PDC title I always wanted to win, and I finally did it!”
Beau Greaves: The Unstoppable Force and Overwhelming Favorite
Despite Ashton’s success, Beau Greaves is the overwhelming favourite to lift her third Women’s World Matchplay crown. The 22-year-old has been on an incredible run, elevating her game to an unprecedented level over the past year.
Greaves’ Dominance at a Glance:
- Record-Breaking Streak: Greaves enjoyed a staggering 114-match winning run on the PDC Women’s Series circuit from April 2025 to March 2026, claiming 17 consecutive titles.
- PDC Ranking Title History: She made history by becoming the first woman to win a PDC ranking title, prevailing at Players Championship 11 in April.
Greaves kicks off her campaign against Finland’s Kirsi Viinikainen, who secured her spot with a strong performance in a recent Women’s Series event.
“Winning a ProTour so quickly was a shock to me,” admitted Greaves. “I know I can play darts, but the quality on tour is unreal, so I thought I’d need more time to settle in. It’s amazing for me to play players I’ve always watched. I love darts, so it’s all a bonus. This is a tournament we all look forward to; it is great for the women’s game, and I’m really excited to be back.”
Fallon Sherrock: The Inaugural Champion’s Redemption Arc
Fallon Sherrock, the inaugural Women’s World Matchplay champion from 2022, is determined to reclaim her title. Known as the “Queen of the Palace” for her groundbreaking performances, Sherrock has reached the last two finals, narrowly missing out to Greaves and Ashton. She faces debutant Deta Hedman in a clash of darting royalty.
A Battle of Darting Royalty:
- Recognized Excellence: Sherrock was awarded an MBE in 2023 for her services to darts. Hedman, a veteran at 66, received an OBE last year for services to darts and charity, having recently ended a six-year wait for a PDC Women’s Series title and celebrated her maiden Lakeside title.
“Winning this title [in 2022] is one of my biggest achievements in the women’s game,” declared Sherrock. “Blackpool is one of my favourite tournaments, so it’s great to be part of the Women’s World Matchplay again. I just want to go there this year and get that title back, especially after missing match darts in the final last year. I’m really hungry to win it, but it’s going to be tough. Deta is a quality player, and you’ve always got to produce your A-game against her.”
Other Key Matchups: Hayter vs. Pruim
The tournament features another compelling quarter-final clash:
- Gemma Hayter vs. Vicky Pruim: Hayter, a consistent performer with two Women’s Series finals this year, takes on Sweden’s Vicky Pruim. Pruim, a debutant, made history by becoming the first Swedish player to win a PDC Women’s Series title, ironically defeating Hayter in the final.
The winners of these matches will advance to the semi-finals, which, along with the grand final, will take place in the same thrilling afternoon session.
High Stakes: What’s on the Line for the Champion?
Beyond the £40,000 prize fund and the prestigious title, the Women’s World Matchplay offers significant rewards for the champion:
- Qualification for the 2026 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts.
- A coveted spot in the 2026/27 Paddy Power World Darts Championship.
The Betfred Women’s World Matchplay will be broadcast live, bringing the excitement to fans worldwide through Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland, and various global broadcast partners. Tune in to witness history unfold!
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
