The 2026 PDC Women’s Series is heating up in Leicester this weekend with events 17-20, marking a pivotal moment in the race for World Darts Championship qualification. Dominant star Beau Greaves, who has won an incredible 11 out of 16 events, looks set to continue her reign, but rivals like Fallon Sherrock and Lisa Ashton are fighting for crucial points. Meanwhile, Gemma Hayter is in a thrilling battle for the final qualifying spot for the prestigious Alexandra Palace tournament. Every throw in Leicester carries immense significance for these top female players.
Greaves’ Unstoppable Dominance
The PDC Women’s Series is the primary circuit for female darts players looking to qualify for major Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events, most notably the annual World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London – often affectionately referred to as ‘Ally Pally’. This year, one name has consistently stood out: Beau Greaves.
The English sensation has been in phenomenal form, securing victory in an astonishing 11 of the 16 events held so far. Her recent triumph at the Women’s World Matchplay in Blackpool further solidified her status as the undisputed frontrunner. Greaves’ consistency and sheer skill have set a remarkably high bar, making her the player to beat.
The Intense Race for Qualification
With only a handful of events remaining after Leicester, the pressure is mounting for players vying for a spot at the World Darts Championship. Typically, two qualification places are awarded via the PDC Women’s Series Order of Merit, which ranks players based on prize money won throughout the series.
Key contenders expected to challenge Greaves and secure their own qualification include:
- Fallon Sherrock: Known for her historic runs at Ally Pally, Sherrock finished runner-up to Greaves at the Matchplay and will be eager to close the gap in Leicester.
- Lisa Ashton: The experienced Lancashire stalwart is a regular at the World Championship, aiming for her sixth consecutive appearance. Her consistent performances make her a strong contender for qualification.
The battle for the final qualification spot is particularly gripping. Gemma Hayter, the recently crowned Women’s World Master, is currently hot on the heels of Vicky Pruim. Hayter is just £250 behind Pruim, meaning every single match win and prize money earned in Leicester could be the deciding factor in her quest to reach Alexandra Palace.
Event Details: What to Expect in Leicester
The Mattioli Arena in Leicester will host four crucial tournaments over the weekend:
- Saturday, August 22: Events 17 and 18
- Sunday, August 23: Events 19 and 20
Players wishing to participate can still enter the tournaments at a cost of £30 per event via the PDC Entry System. The entry deadline is 14:00 BST on Thursday, August 20. New players need to register their details first, a process that can take up to 48 hours for verification.
Fans eager to follow the action can watch live coverage of all four tournaments on PDCTV from approximately 10:00 BST each day. This is where the drama will unfold as players fight for every point and every pound.
As the qualification picture sharpens, the Mattioli Arena is poised for a weekend of high-stakes darts. With Beau Greaves setting an incredibly high standard and the race for Alexandra Palace reaching its climax, expect thrilling matches and unforgettable moments in Leicester.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
