GREAVES MAKES STUNNING DEBUT AT UK OPEN

By Aaron Nijjar  

BEAU GREAVES made a glorious start on her UK Open debut with successive 6-1 wins against Stefan Bellmont and Rhys Griffin before beating Mickey Mansell.  

The 21-year-old took the main stage where she dismantled Switzerland’s Bellmont thanks to a 96 average and a superb 152 checkout in the third leg to set up a meeting with Griffin. 

‘Beau ‘n’ Arrow’ then continued her incredible form with a second-round victory against the Welshman.  

Greaves then defeated the experienced Mansell 6-2 in the third-round to become the first woman to win three matches at the tournament.

Friday evening’s fourth round will see the world’s top 32 enter the fray, including reigning champion Dimitri Van den Bergh, World No.1 Luke Humphries and World champion Luke Littler.   

Following her trio of victories, Greaves admitted she did not know she was even eligible to play in the major.  

She said: “It’s one of the competitions I like watching most because of how random it is and obviously all the different boards.   

“I didn’t even know i was in this competition until somebody text me that I was. Otherwise, I had no clue! 

“I’m really enjoying my darts and I’m loving being in this environment. It’s a new experience and I’m winning so yeah I’m really happy.” 

Women’s World No.1 Greaves revealed she is relishing the challenge to play the top ranked players at Butlin’s Minehead Resort. 

She said: “I’m really enjoying my darts and I’m loving being in this environment. It’s a new experience and I’m winning so yeah I’m really happy.   

“I looked at the draw and thought i could possibly get through. But it’s one of them of how you play.   

“I’m just trying to take it in my stride that’s what my dad says. It’s just a bit of a bonus for me. I don’t have a Tour Card so there is no pressure.   

“I am just enjoying qualifying and I’m having a nice time. It’s a right trek from Doncaster so I’m going to make the most of it while I’m here!  

“These are the type of players I want to be playing. Win, lose or draw I’ll be happy with today’s performance.”  

The Doncaster thrower has made history as the first player to top the Development Tour, Challenge Tour, and Women’s Series Order of Merits simultaneously.  

Her performances earned her a place in the second Players Championship event of the season on the main tour and she made an impression there too.

Beau’s first victory on the PDC ProTour came in some style as she averaged 102.7 to beat Josh Rock 6-5 in the first round in Wigan earlier this month.

Greaves will now face Luke Humphries in a blockbuster fourth-round clash this evening (Friday).

Image by Kieran Cleeves.