The Women’s World Matchplay is set to deliver high-stakes drama as darts’ biggest stars battle for glory. Top seed Beau Greaves, a two-time champion, seeks redemption after last year’s semi-final exit, now armed with groundbreaking PDC achievements. Defending champion Lisa Ashton returns as the one to beat, while Fallon Sherrock aims to convert her consistent final appearances into a second title. Adding to the excitement, 66-year-old legend Deta Hedman makes her long-awaited debut, and in-form Gemma Hayter looks to upset the established order. With a coveted Grand Slam spot and World Championship place on the line, this five-match tournament promises unforgettable moments.
The Reigning Force: Beau Greaves’ Quest for Redemption
For the past two years, Beau Greaves has been the undisputed queen of women’s darts, a dominance highlighted by an astonishing 114 consecutive match wins on the Women’s Series between April 2025 and March 2026. Yet, the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool has occasionally proven a tricky venue for her.
Twelve months ago, Greaves arrived as the overwhelming favourite but departed as a beaten semi-finalist, watching Lisa Ashton claim the title. This year, on Sunday, July 26th, she has a prime opportunity for retribution. As the top seed once more, she opens her campaign against Finland’s Kirsi Viinikainen, a rematch of last year’s first-round encounter.
Beyond the Women’s Series: Greaves’ Groundbreaking Achievements
- In April, she made history by becoming the first woman to win a PDC ranking title, defeating none other than Michael Smith in the Players Championship 11 final.
- She achieved this as a PDC Tour Card holder, only the second woman ever to earn such a prestigious card.
- Following this, she further broke new ground by qualifying for two European Tour events, another unprecedented feat for a female player.
Now, as she bids for a third Matchplay title, Greaves faces a different kind of challenge. She’s not just defending her turf; she arrives in Blackpool with a significant target on her back, reflecting her status as a trailblazer in the sport.
The Consistent Contender: Fallon Sherrock’s Search for a Second Crown
Fallon Sherrock has a unique and somewhat bittersweet relationship with the Women’s World Matchplay. She was the inaugural champion in 2022, a historic moment. However, she then reached back-to-back finals in 2024 and 2025, losing both. Three finals from five editions with only one title is a record that speaks volumes – simultaneously demonstrating incredible consistency and frustrating near-misses.
Her first-round draw against debutant Deta Hedman might appear favourable on paper. However, darts, especially with a passionate home crowd in Blackpool, has a knack for producing unexpected twists. Sherrock will be acutely aware of the local desire to see her go one better than last year.
The Defending Champion: Lisa Ashton’s Unforgettable Triumph
Lisa Ashton’s victory last July was nothing short of a fairytale. At 60 years old, she delivered arguably the best week of her career, defeating both Beau Greaves in the semi-final and Fallon Sherrock in the final to lift the trophy. She returns to Blackpool for the first time as the reigning champion, a new and challenging position.
Her opening match against Rhian O’Sullivan is considered the most genuinely unpredictable clash of the first round. Regardless of the outcome, Ashton now finds herself in a new role: from hunter to the hunted, carrying the pressure of defending her hard-won title.
Rising Stars and Legendary Debuts
Gemma Hayter: The Momentum Machine
No one arrives in Blackpool with stronger momentum than Gemma Hayter. At the time of writing, she has been in sensational form at the WDF World Masters in Las Vegas. Her performance included a perfect group stage without dropping a single leg, a significant win over reigning world champion Deta Hedman, and a deep run to the semi-finals.
This surge of confidence positions her for a potentially tricky quarter-final against Vicky Pruim, who herself is coming off a breakthrough run. This match could easily be the highlight of the round, far from a routine step for the fourth seed. Hayter has never gone deep at the Women’s World Matchplay before, but she has never played with this level of confidence and skill either.
Deta Hedman: A Legend’s Long-Awaited Debut
At 66 years old, Deta Hedman making her Women’s World Matchplay debut is one of the most compelling narratives of the entire week, spanning both the men’s and women’s draws. She only secured her qualification by winning her second Women’s Series title just last month, a clear testament that her competitive fire burns as brightly as ever.
A first-round encounter with Fallon Sherrock is undoubtedly a brutal welcome to the Blackpool stage. However, regardless of the match’s result, the sheer act of Hedman walking out onto that iconic stage is a story that resonates deeply within the darts community.
The Stakes: What’s on the Line?
The Women’s World Matchplay isn’t just about pride and a trophy. For the winner, there are significant rewards:
- A coveted spot in the Grand Slam of Darts.
- A place in the prestigious World Darts Championship.
This makes the five-match tournament an intense battle where every dart counts and the pressure is immense. The stage is set for an unforgettable display of skill, determination, and drama.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
