Beau Greaves became the first female player to win a PDC rankings title with a historic 8-7 win over Michael Smith in the Players Championship 11 final in Milton Keynes on Monday.
Greaves won his final match thanks to a stunning 142 checkout, and took a 6-3 lead at 170 on The Big Fish early in the contest.
What made Greaves’ feat even more remarkable was the fact that the 22-year-old had disposed of three former world champions in his last three matches.
Greaves defeated 2023 winner Smith 7-1 in the final as well as two-time champion Gary Anderson in the semi-finals, before beating 2018 world champion Rob Cross 6-5 in the semi-finals.
Anderson previously had nine hits in his last 16 games with Alexander Merkx.
Greaves shocked by ‘incredible’ win
“I never thought I’d win one of these. Never, ever,” Greaves said emotionally after the win.
“I’m so happy. I can’t put into words how I feel. I can’t believe it and I’m so proud of myself.
“I never thought I’d come here today and win. I know I have the ability to do it, I know I have the talent, but to play the guys I play… I beat Gary Anderson. It was unbelievable!”
“I don’t know what’s going on. It’s amazing that I’m beating the guys I grew up watching.
“Other than winning Lakeside (three-time WDF Women’s World Darts Champion), this is my best achievement ever and hopefully I can now do well on TV.
“I’m so excited!”
2026 Players Championship 11: Results
last 16th
Wessel Nyman 6-1 Leon Weber
Gary Anderson 6-1 Alexander Merkx
Rob Cross 6-2 Ross Smith
Bo Greaves 6-4 Karel Sedlacek
Michael Smith 6-4 Joe Hunt
Andrew Gilding 6-3 Callan Rydz
William O’Connor 6-3 Cristo Reyes
Kevin Dotz 6-1 Max Hope
quarterfinal
Gary Anderson 6-3 Wessel Nijman
Bo Greaves 6-5 Rob Cross
Michael Smith 6-5 Andrew Gilding
Kevin Dotz 6-1 William O’Connor
semifinal
Bo Greaves 7-1 Gary Anderson
Michael Smith 7-4 Kevin Dotz
critical
Bo Greaves 8-7 Michael Smith
Who will be the Premier League Darts winner this year? Luke Humphries is set to defend his title and you can watch it every Thursday until May on Sky Sports. Stream the best sports including darts with NOW.
