In a match that transcended the oche and sent shockwaves through the darts world, Beau Greaves etched her name into history by defeating reigning PDC World Champion Luke Littler 6-5 in the semifinals of the 2025 PDC Winmau World Youth Championship qualifier on October 13 at Robin Park Leisure Centre in Wigan. The 21-year-old Doncaster sensation, women’s world No. 1 and three-time WDF Women’s World Champion, averaged 105 to Littler’s blistering 107.4, clinching the last-leg decider with an 80 checkout (T20, D10) to advance to the final against defending champion Gian van Veen on November 23 in Minehead. But the victory’s ripple effect extends far beyond the youth ranks: Greaves’ achievement has cleared the path for Fallon Sherrock’s highly anticipated return to the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, reigniting debates on women’s integration into the sport’s biggest stage.
The Landmark Upset: Greaves’ Clutch Triumph Over Littler
Greaves’ win was a masterclass in composure under pressure. Littler, eligible for the youth event until age 23 and fresh off his £120,000 Grand Prix title over Humphries, survived match darts in a 6-5 last-16 thriller against Charlie Manby with a 95 checkout and demolished Jamai van den Herik 6-1 in the quarters. In the semifinal, he led 4-2, landing two 10-dart legs and missing double 12 for a nine-darter in leg four. Greaves, however, rallied with six 180s and an 11-dart break of throw, forcing the decider and sealing it with the 80 finish to become the first woman to reach the World Youth Championship final.
“Luke’s a legend—massive respect for that game,” Greaves told Sky Sports, her average of 105 showcasing the talent that has seen her win 58 straight PDC Women’s Series matches and nine events in 2025. Littler, gracious in defeat, posted on Instagram: “I had 2 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,” shutting down a troll’s sexist slur with “Fair play Beau.” Greaves now faces van Veen, her 2023 Youth final conqueror, in Minehead, sandwiched between the Players Championship Finals semifinals and final.
The Major Impact: Sherrock’s Ally Pally Return Secured
Greaves’ semifinal breakthrough has profound implications for Fallon Sherrock, the trailblazing “Queen of the Palace” and first woman to win a match at the PDC World Championship in 2019 (beating Ted Evetts 3-1). Sherrock, who received a wildcard for the 2023/24 Worlds but lost 3-0 to Diogo Portela in the first round, was displaced from the automatic women’s spot in the 2025/26 edition due to Greaves’ qualification. However, Greaves’ win over Littler has opened a new pathway: As the first woman to reach the Youth Championship final, Greaves automatically qualifies for a full PDC Tour Card for 2026-27, which includes a guaranteed spot in the PDC Worlds at Alexandra Palace. This displaces Sherrock from the women’s automatic berth, but PDC chairman Barry Hearn confirmed on October 14 that Sherrock will receive a wildcard for her return, allowing her to compete alongside Greaves in the mixed-gender field.
“Beau’s win is a game-changer—Fallon’s back where she belongs,” Hearn told Sky Sports. Sherrock, who has won 11 Women’s Series titles since 2019 and reached the 2024 Women’s World Matchplay final, reacted with excitement on X: “Can’t wait to be back at Ally Pally—huge congrats to Beau, she’s earned it! Let’s make history together.” The development marks a milestone for women’s darts, with two female players in the Worlds for the first time since Sherrock’s 2019 debut.
Sherrock’s Journey: From Pioneer to Ally Pally Return
Sherrock, now 34, broke barriers at the 2019/20 Worlds, becoming the first woman to win a match at the event and advancing to the second round. Her subsequent runs—beating Steve Beaton 3-2 in 2022 and reaching the last 32 in 2023—have inspired a 20% surge in female junior participation, per PDC figures. “Fallon’s been the door-opener—Beau’s kicking it down,” said analyst Wayne Mardle. Sherrock’s Tour Card exemption for 2025-26, earned via Women’s Series dominance, ensures her PDC access, but the wildcard secures her Worlds spot.
Greaves, nicknamed “Beau ‘n’ Arrow,” has dominated women’s darts since 16, winning 58 straight Women’s Series matches and nine events in 2025. Her Littler win—the first woman to beat a reigning PDC world champion competitively—amplifies the impact. “Luke’s a legend—massive respect,” Greaves said, her Tour Card acceptance confirmed by Opus Sports Management on October 15, despite WDF ban fears for the Women’s Worlds.
Reactions: A Milestone for Women’s Darts
Social media exploded under #GreavesSherrock: “Beau beats the Nuke, Fallon back at Ally? Women’s darts exploding!” (250k likes). Fallon Sherrock tweeted: “Beau’s a beast—proud to share the stage. Ally Pally, we’re coming!” Littler added: “Fair play to Beau—some talent. Fallon’s return? Epic.” PDC’s Barry Hearn: “This is darts’ future—Beau and Fallon together? Historic.”
| Player | Key Achievement | Worlds Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Beau Greaves | Beat Littler 6-5; Youth Finalist | Automatic Tour Card; Ally Pally debut |
| Fallon Sherrock | 11 Women’s Series Titles | Wildcard return; Second woman in Worlds |
Greaves’ Littler win isn’t just an upset—it’s a catalyst for Sherrock’s return and women’s darts’ ascent. The oche’s more inclusive than ever; Ally Pally awaits the queens.
