Luke Littler’s Perfect Response to Fan’s Sexist Slur Against Beau Greaves After Upset Loss
In a moment that highlighted both the highs of darts’ growing inclusivity and the lows of online toxicity, Luke Littler delivered a classy, three-word response to a troll’s sexist remark about Beau Greaves following her stunning 6-5 semifinal victory over the world champion at the 2025 PDC Winmau World Youth Championship on October 13. The 18-year-old “Nuke,” fresh off his £120,000 World Grand Prix title the previous day, took to Instagram to congratulate the women’s world No. 1 after she denied him a chance at back-to-back youth titles, shutting down the abuser with a simple “Fair play to Beau.” The post, which garnered over 500,000 likes, not only praised Greaves’ 105-average performance but also swiftly condemned the derogatory comment questioning women’s place in the sport, earning Littler widespread acclaim for his maturity and allyship.
The Upset: Greaves Edges Littler in Last-Leg Thriller
Greaves, the 21-year-old Doncaster prodigy and two-time PDC Women’s World Matchplay champion, produced a masterclass to upset Littler 6-5 in the semi-final at Robin Park Leisure Centre in Wigan. Littler, eligible for the youth event until age 23 and the defending 2023 champion, averaged an eye-watering 107.4—landing two 10-dart legs and missing double 12 for a nine-darter in leg four—but Greaves’ composure under pressure proved decisive. She reeled off the final three legs after trailing 5-2, taking out an 80 checkout in the decider to book a final against reigning champion Gian van Veen on November 23 in Minehead.
Littler’s run had been nearly flawless, surviving match darts in the last-16 against Charlie Manby (6-5 comeback) before cruising the quarters 6-1 over Jamai van den Herik. Greaves, who averaged 105 and held her nerve in the last-leg drama, became the first woman to beat a reigning PDC world champion in a competitive match. “Beau’s unreal—fair play,” Littler posted, but the response quickly turned to addressing the ugliness that followed.
The Slur and Littler’s Response: “Fair Play to Beau”
The backlash erupted almost immediately on social media, with a troll replying to Littler’s post with a sexist slur implying Greaves’ win was “unfair” due to gender differences and questioning women’s role in mixed events. Littler’s reply was swift and sharp: “Fair play to Beau.” The three-word takedown, posted within minutes, resonated as a powerful defense of Greaves’ talent and darts’ inclusivity, shutting down the abuse without stooping to its level. “I had two 10-dart legs, missed D12 for a nine and still couldn’t win. Fair play to Beau Greaves, all the best in Minehead, some talent,” Littler elaborated in his caption, averaging 107.4 to Greaves’ 105 in a high-class affair.
Greaves, who has faced similar online vitriol since her UK Open runs and Women’s Series dominance, responded with grace: “Thanks Luke—proper match. See you on tour soon.” The exchange highlighted their mutual respect, with Greaves now 1-0 in their head-to-head after Littler’s 2023 Youth Championship win over her.
The Bigger Picture: Darts’ Fight for Inclusivity
Littler’s response arrives amid darts’ ongoing push for gender parity, with Greaves—women’s world No. 1—pioneering mixed participation via the PDC Women’s Series. Her 2024 Women’s World Matchplay title and UK Open third-round run (beating three men) have inspired a 20% rise in female junior sign-ups, but online abuse remains a barrier. Littler’s allyship—quickly amplifying Greaves’ talent—sets a tone for the men’s elite, echoing his support for Fallon Sherrock’s trailblazing.
Fans on X praised Littler’s poise under #LittlerGreaves: “Three words that shut down a troll—Nuke’s a class act!” (200k likes). Wayne Mardle called it “darts at its best—talent over toxicity.” Greaves advances to face van Veen in the Youth final, her 6-5 win a statement for women’s darts.
| Player | Average | Key Stats | Outcome |
|——–|———|———–|———|
| Beau Greaves | 105 | 80 decider checkout; 5-2 comeback | Winner (6-5) |
| Luke Littler | 107.4 | Two 10-dart legs; missed 9-darter | Loser (5-6) |
Littler’s “fair play to Beau” isn’t just sportsmanship—it’s a stand for darts’ future. The Nuke’s true colors? Champion in victory and defeat.
