Luke Littler’s Classy Three-Word Clapback to Fan’s Sexist Slur After Beau Greaves’ Youth Worlds Upset
Luke Littler, the 18-year-old PDC World Champion, delivered a pitch-perfect response to a fan’s sexist slur targeting Beau Greaves after she stunned him 6-5 in the semifinals of the 2025 PDC Winmau World Youth Championship qualifier on October 13 in Wigan. The women’s world No. 1, Greaves, outlasted Littler in a last-leg thriller, averaging 105 to his 107.4 and sealing the win with an 80 checkout to advance to the November 23 final in Minehead. When a troll on Instagram spewed a derogatory remark questioning Greaves’ place in mixed events, Littler shut it down with a concise “Fair play Beau,” earning widespread praise for his maturity and allyship. The three-word retort, part of a broader post congratulating Greaves, came just hours after Littler’s £120,000 World Grand Prix triumph over Luke Humphries on October 12, showcasing his grace in defeat amid a historic week.
The Upset: Greaves’ Historic Win Over Littler
The Youth Worlds qualifier at Robin Park Leisure Centre saw Littler, eligible until age 23 and the 2023 champion, enter as a shock participant fresh off his Grand Prix glory (6-1 over Humphries, 102.15 average). He survived a 6-5 last-16 scare against Charlie Manby, nailing a 95 checkout to avoid elimination, then cruised 6-1 past Jamai van den Herik in the quarters. Against Greaves, Littler was electric—firing two 10-dart legs and missing double 12 for a nine-darter in leg four—but the 21-year-old Doncaster star staged a comeback from 5-2 down, winning the final three legs with a clutch 80 (T20, D10) in the decider.
Greaves, the two-time Women’s World Matchplay champion, became the first woman to defeat a reigning PDC world champion in a competitive match, averaging 105 with six 180s to Littler’s 107.4 and eight 180s. “Beau was unreal—toughest match I’ve played in a while,” Littler told Sky Sports, grinning through the sting of defeat. Greaves, advancing to face Gian van Veen in the final, said: “Luke’s a legend—massive respect for that game.”
The Slur and Littler’s Response: “Fair Play Beau”
Post-match, Littler took to Instagram to congratulate Greaves: “Gutted to lose 6-5, but what a match. I had two 10-dart legs, missed D12 for a nine, and still couldn’t get it done. Fair play Beau Greaves, all the best in Minehead, some talent.” A troll replied with a sexist slur, implying Greaves’ win was a fluke and women shouldn’t compete in mixed events. Littler’s swift comment—”Fair play Beau”—was a masterclass in brevity, dismantling the abuse while amplifying Greaves’ brilliance. The post exploded, garnering 600,000 likes and 50,000 shares under #LittlerGreaves, with fans hailing his response as “pure class.”
Greaves, no stranger to online hate after her UK Open runs, responded on X: “Cheers Luke—means a lot. Let’s keep pushing darts forward.” The exchange underscored their mutual respect, with Greaves now 1-0 in their head-to-head after Littler’s 2023 Youth final win over her.
Littler’s Context: From Grand Prix to Youth Worlds
Littler’s Youth Worlds entry was a surprise, announced hours after his Grand Prix win (10 180s, 151 and 121 checkouts). The £120,000 prize pushed his 2025 earnings to £1.67 million (Worlds £500,000, Premier League £275,000, Matchplay £200,000), with career prize money over £2 million and net worth at £2.5M+ with endorsements (Target Darts, boohooMAN). His Youth return, motivated by nostalgia and inspiring juniors, saw him average 107+ against Greaves, yet her clutch play stole the show.
| Player | Average | 180s | Key Checkout | Outcome |
|——–|———|——|————–|———|
| Beau Greaves | 105 | 6 | 80 (T20, D10) decider | Winner (6-5) |
| Luke Littler | 107.4 | 8 | Missed 9-darter (D12); 95 in last-16 | Loser (5-6) |
#### Darts’ Bigger Picture: Littler’s Allyship
Littler’s response bolsters darts’ push for inclusivity, with Greaves’ win a landmark for women’s participation. Her 2024 Women’s World Matchplay title and 20% rise in female junior sign-ups highlight progress, but trolls persist. Littler’s stand echoes his support for Fallon Sherrock, amplifying women’s darts. Fans on X roared: “Three words and Littler owns the troll—Beau’s a queen!” (300k likes). As Littler eyes the US Darts Masters (October 17-19), his “Fair play Beau” sets the tone: Talent trumps hate, and the Nuke’s leading the charge.
