Greaves Comes Close to a Historic Win at Alexandra Palace
The PDC World Darts Championship 2026 delivered another dramatic moment in its long-running narrative of breakthroughs and heartbreak as Beau Greaves’s first-round campaign fell just short. The 21-year-old from Doncaster pushed 22nd seed Daryl Gurney to a deciding set at Alexandra Palace, coming tantalisingly close to becoming the second female player to win a match at the event.
Greaves, who burst onto the scene with a fearless attacking style, looked set to add a landmark chapter to her rapidly rising career. The young English talent had already captured attention for her poise under pressure and her continued willingness to challenge the sport’s elite, and fans hoped she might echo the historic strides made by fellow trailblazer Fallon Sherrock. But in a match that swung back and forth, it was Gurney who held his nerve when it mattered most.
Match Analysis: Gurney’s Experience Versus Greaves’ Youth
The first-round showdown featured a telling contrast: Gurney’s seasoned, steady approach against Greaves’ high-energy offence. Gurney, who has tasted big-stage success in the past, used his experience to edge ahead in the final frames, while Greaves refused to back down, trading blows and matching him shot for shot when it counted. The pivotal moments arrived in the later stages of the deciding set, where precision and composure separated the two players.
Greaves displayed composure beyond her years with a few audacious finishes that sparked the crowd. Her ability to induce doubt in the older, higher-ranked opponent reflected the potential that has many pundits predicting a sustained rise for the Doncaster thrower. Yet, as the pressure intensified, Gurney found a couple of key doubles and clinical single-dart finishes that ultimately secured her opponent’s passage to the next round.
A Historic Night, But Not a Breakthrough—Yet
The narrative around Greaves’ tournament run is as much about what could have been as what did happen. Her run to a decider in a match against a top-25 seed underscored the improving depth of women competing at the World Championship level. While she did not advance, the performance served as a potent reminder that the barrier to a first-round win by a female player is narrowing, and the list of potential breakthroughs continues to grow.
Greaves remains a player to watch, with a young career likely to feature more high-stakes matches against established names. For Gurney, the win kept his tournament hopes alive and added another important scalp on the road toward what he will hope is a late-season surge.
What Comes Next for the Field at Alexandra Palace
The first round at Alexandra Palace delivered its share of drama, with a mix of veterans and rising stars navigating the world’s premier darts stage. The early rounds continue to set the tone for the tournament, illustrating the uphill climb faced by players breaking new ground in women’s darts while also showcasing the enduring appeal of the World Championship’s format and atmosphere.
Fans will be talking about Greaves’ performance for some time, assessing the small margins that define these big matches. As she and other young players gain more exposure and experience, the sport moves closer to a day when more female players regularly win at this level. In the meantime, Gurney advances, and the event moves forward with its characteristic blend of skill, nerve, and drama.
In Context: A Historic Milestone Still to Be Achieved
Beau Greaves’ journey remains part of a broader arc in darts history, where female players are increasingly challenging traditional norms and pushing for new possibilities. The 2026 tournament, like its predecessors, serves as a platform for talent to emerge, mature, and redefine what is possible on darts’ biggest stage.
