In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News, Beau Greaves has confirmed that she will not compete in this year’s World Darts Championship and will instead aim to win a third consecutive Women’s World Title. The 20-year-old Greaves won the Women’s World Matchplay title on Sunday, defeating Fallon Sharrock live on Sky.
Monday 22 July 2024 22:52, UK
Beau Greaves will not compete in this year’s World Darts Championship but hopes to return to Alexandra Palace in the future.
Greaves defeated Fallon Sharrock 6-3 on Sunday to defend her Women’s World Matchplay title and qualify for the season-ending showcase.
However, the 20-year-old said she will not compete in the event this time around, having declined to compete last season, and will instead aim to win the WDF Women’s World Championship for a third consecutive year.
Mr. Greaves Sky Sports News: “I’ve won back-to-back women’s world championships so I don’t want to miss the chance to defend my title so that’s what it’s all about.”
“Hopefully I can return to Ally Pally in a few years’ time but for now I want to focus on women’s darts.”
Greaves said he was nervous ahead of the World Matchplay final but was looking forward to celebrating the win.
Sky Sports News Greaves is yet to formally inform the PDC that he will not be taking up the position and understands he has until November 24th to do so.
Greaves, who lost her first round to William O’Connor on her 2022 World Championship debut, said she is focusing on women’s darts for now as it remains difficult to compete “consistently” against the men.
She said: “It’s not that we can’t beat them, we just do it all the time. It’s not easy to stand on stage and have to perform really well to beat someone and for me it’s a bit difficult.”
“Some women, including me, play well, but it’s not always the case. For now, the men are more consistent than us, but you never know what’s going to happen.”
“That’s how I feel now, but in a few years I might not feel that way. But for now, I’d rather play ladies’ darts than be forced to play against men.”
Responding to Greaves’ comments, PDC chief executive Matt Porter said: “We have invested more than £1 million in women’s darts in recent years and we intend to continue to do so.”
“We have always been clear that the ability for men and women to compete equally in sport is an asset and not an obstacle, and all our events are open to both male and female athletes.”
“The progress made by many of our female athletes in recent years shows that there is a wealth of talent available, and we look forward to seeing even more women competing alongside their male counterparts in our biggest events in the coming years.”