Luke Littler reveals fears over darts star doing ‘damage’ to himself, Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen
Luke Littler’s Bold Warning: Beau Greaves Could ‘Do Some Real Damage’ to Top Stars Like Humphries and Van Gerwen
Luke Littler has issued a stark warning to the darts elite, predicting that Beau Greaves could inflict “real damage” on the likes of himself, world no. 1 Luke Humphries, and three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen if she accepts her automatic PDC Tour Card for 2026. The 18-year-old PDC World Champion, speaking after his semifinal loss to Greaves at the PDC Winmau World Youth Championship qualifier on October 13 in Wigan, praised the 21-year-old women’s world no. 1 as a “huge threat,” emphasizing that her acceptance of the card “will be a problem for everyone on tour.” Greaves’ stunning 6-5 victory over Littler—averaging 105 to his blistering 107.4 in a last-leg thriller—has reignited speculation about her future, positioning her as the first woman with a full Tour Card and opening doors to mixed-gender competition that could shake up the PDC hierarchy.
The Dramatic Upset: Greaves Edges Littler in Thriller
Littler’s “shock” entry into the youth qualifier—announced 24 hours after his £120,000 World Grand Prix triumph over Humphries—aimed to “close the circle” from his 2023 youth title at 16. He survived match darts in a 6-5 last-16 scare against Charlie Manby with a 95 checkout and demolished Jamai van den Herik 6-1 in the quarters. But against Greaves, the Doncaster sensation and three-time WDF Women’s World Champion, the semifinal became a high-stakes classic. Littler led 4-2, landing two 10-dart legs and missing double 12 for a nine-darter in leg four. Greaves rallied with six 180s and an 11-dart break of throw, forcing a decider and sealing it with an 80 checkout (T20, D10)—her first win over Littler after his 2023 youth final victory.
“Beau was unreal—toughest match I’ve played in a while,” Littler told Sky Sports, gracious in defeat. Greaves, now the first woman to reach the World Youth Championship final, faces defending champion Gian van Veen on November 23 in Minehead. “Luke’s a legend—massive respect for that game,” she replied, her 105 average showcasing the talent that has seen her win 58 straight PDC Women’s Series matches and nine events in 2025.
Littler’s Warning: “She Could Do Some Real Damage”
Littler’s candid assessment came in a GB News interview on October 14, where he tipped Greaves to “shake up” the PDC if she takes her Tour Card, earned by finishing second on the Development Tour Order of Merit. “Beau is another threat. If someone knows Beau, she does not really worry about this (getting a card),” Littler said. “For me, now is the best time to take it… She can do some serious damage if she faces me, such as Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries and others. If she does take that tour card, we are going to be in trouble.”
Greaves’ Littler win—the first time a woman has beaten a reigning PDC world champion competitively—amplifies the stakes. Averaging 105 with an 80 decider finish, she became the first woman to advance to the Youth Championship final, securing her automatic Tour Card for 2026-27. This grants access to all 34 Players Championships and 13 European Tour events, worth over £1.5 million in prize money, plus eligibility for Q-School exemptions and the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.
The Tour Card Dilemma: Ban Risk and Potential Impact
Greaves’ decision isn’t without complications. PDC rules prohibit Tour Card holders from competing in conflicting WDF events, including the Women’s World Championship at Lakeside (December 29, 2025-January 5, 2026), which overlaps with the PDC Worlds (December 15, 2025-January 3, 2026). As the reigning three-time WDF champion (2022-24), Greaves has twice declined Ally Pally invitations to prioritize Lakeside, stating: “I don’t want to miss retaining the ladies’ title.” Acceptance would trigger a ban from WDF majors, potentially ending her streak, but opens PDC doors—mixed-gender Pro Tour and Ally Pally potential.
Littler believes the rewards outweigh the risks: “She’s got the talent—tour card now, and she’ll be a nightmare for us all.” Greaves, nicknamed “Beau ‘n’ Arrow,” has dominated women’s darts since 16, with 58 straight Women’s Series wins and nine 2025 events. Her Littler upset—first woman to beat a PDC world champion—has sparked a 20% surge in female junior sign-ups, per PDC figures. “I would be stupid not to [take the Tour Card]… I’ve been stuck at a level for a while, so it might push me,” Greaves said pre-qualifier.
| Option | Pros | Cons | Impact |
|——–|——|——|——–|
| Accept Tour Card | PDC Pro Tour access (34 Players Champs, 13 Euro Tours); Ally Pally eligibility; £1.5M+ prize potential | Ban from WDF Women’s Worlds; Conflict with Lakeside (overlaps with PDC Worlds) | PDC pioneer; Ends WDF streak; Mixed-gender exposure |
| Decline Tour Card | Retain WDF Women’s Worlds eligibility; Focus on Ladies Series; No ban risk | Miss Pro Tour; Limited exposure vs. men; Fewer high-stakes events | WDF dominance; Separate women’s path; Less growth potential |
Reactions: “Greaves Could Shake Up the Tour”
Social media erupted under #GreavesLittler: “Beau ‘damaging’ MVG, Humphries, Littler? Women’s darts exploding!” (250k likes). Fallon Sherrock: “Beau’s ready—PDC’s about to feel the arrow.” Humphries: “She’s unreal—tour card? We’re in for fun.” Van Gerwen: “Talent like Beau? Respect—bring it.” As Greaves eyes van Veen in Minehead, Littler’s warning isn’t fear—it’s foresight: The arrow’s aimed at the top. Darts’ hierarchy? Trembling.
