Darts fans, get ready! The 2026 UK Open, often called the ‘FA Cup of Darts,’ kicks off this Friday in Minehead. All eyes are on women’s world number one, Beau Greaves, who is set to make her entrance in Round Two. Fresh off a historic nine-dart finish – the first ever by a woman in a PDC ProTour event – Greaves faces Darryl Pilgrim in her opening match. She aims to build on this incredible momentum and surpass last year’s fourth-round debut, with a potential path leading through Robert Owen or Stefaan Henderyck in Round Three, all while vying for a share of the £750,000 prize fund.
The UK Open Challenge: Greaves’ Path to Glory
The 2026 UK Open, renowned as the “FA Cup of Darts” due to its open draw format, is set to electrify Minehead this Friday. This prestigious tournament sees reigning champion Luke Littler defending his title, but a significant spotlight is shining on Beau Greaves, the formidable women’s world number one.
Greaves will begin her campaign in Round Two, hoping to improve upon her impressive debut last year. In 2025, she reached the fourth round before being defeated by current world champion Luke Humphries, a strong performance for her first appearance at such a major event.
Her Initial Draw and Potential Route
Beau Greaves has learned her fate for her opening match, which promises to be a gripping encounter:
- Round Two Opponent: Greaves will face Darryl Pilgrim. This match is crucial for setting the tone for her tournament.
- Potential Round Three Match: Should Greaves overcome Pilgrim, she will then advance to face the winner of the match between Robert Owen and Stefaan Henderyck.
This challenging path highlights the competitive nature of the UK Open, where every match is a test of skill and nerve.
A Historic Feat: The Nine-Darter Heard Around the World
Just last week, Beau Greaves etched her name into darts history, creating a sensation that has reverberated throughout the sporting world. At a recent Players Championship event, she achieved a truly remarkable feat:
Greaves hit a stunning nine-dart finish, the perfect leg of darts, against opponent Mensur Suljovic. This was not just any nine-darter; it marked a groundbreaking moment as she became the first female player ever to achieve a nine-dart finish in a PDC ProTour event. This historic achievement underscores her exceptional talent and ability to perform under pressure, especially considering she also won that thrilling game 6-5 on legs.
This incredible performance has generated immense momentum, and Greaves will undoubtedly be looking to carry that confidence and form into her UK Open matches.
Recent Form and High Ambitions
While the nine-darter was a spectacular highlight, Greaves’ recent form has shown a mixture of results. During the same Players Championship event where she hit the nine-darter, she reached the third round before suffering a defeat to David Sharp. Looking further back:
- PDC World Championship (December): She faced a tough first-round exit, losing 3-2 on sets to Daryl Gurney.
- Other Players’ Championships (since turn of the year): Greaves has experienced both early exits (including first-round defeats in two events) and strong performances, such as being knocked out by runner-up Nathan Aspinall in her first appearance of the year.
Despite these varied outcomes, her focus is now firmly on the UK Open. With the eyes of the darts world on her following her historic achievement, Greaves is eager to translate her potential into a deep run in this major tournament.
The Stakes: Prize Money and Motivation
The UK Open offers significant financial incentives, adding another layer of motivation for all competitors, including Greaves:
- The overall prize fund for the tournament is a staggering £750,000.
- The ultimate winner will walk away with a substantial £120,000.
- Even if Beau Greaves were to be defeated in her opening Round Two match, she is guaranteed to receive £1,250 in prize money.
These figures highlight the high stakes involved and the reward awaiting players who can navigate the challenging format and perform consistently throughout the event.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
