MARDLE WARNS OF PRESSURE ON RISING STAR GREAVES

WAYNE MARDLE admits Beau Greaves carries a “massive responsibility” as she continues to break new ground in professional darts.

Beau n Arrow became the first woman to reach back-to-back quarter-finals on the ProTour at Players Championship Nine and Ten. 

The Doncaster star also made history as the first female to hit a nine-dart finish on the men’s floor circuit and has dominated the PDC Women’s Series with a remarkable 114-match unbeaten run. 

Greaves, 22, also impressed on the big stage last year, reaching the fourth round of the UK Open before losing 10-7 to Luke Humphries. 

Former pro Mardle believes her role in the sport goes far beyond results. 

He told Darts Planet TV: “Beau has a massive responsibility because she’s a young female that is plying her trade in the male-dominated professional darting environment. 

“If she buckles and folds at any point, the girls may be thinking that we can’t compete because Beau’s way better than me and she can’t compete, how can I? 

“Her throw is one of the best on tour. The action, the smoothness, the rhythm, everything about the routine is just world-class. She can throw world-class darts alongside any man. 

“I want her to win sooner rather than later because it will show every single girl that wants to pick up a dart that we can do this.” 

Mardle reckons her rise reflects a broader shift in the sport, with a new generation already reshaping the landscape. 

That trend is evident in the Order of Merit, where Luke Littler (19), Luke Humphries (31) and Gian van Veen (24) occupy the top three spots while holding all current major titles. 

Mardle added: “Gone will be the days of overweight middle-aged men. We won’t exist. 

“There’s going to be teenager versus teenager in the World Championship. 

“There were times when the average age would be like 50 when Phil Taylor was taking on like Dennis Priestley or Raymond van Barneveld or Simon Whitlock or Gary Anderson in a final. 

“Just expect more teenagers. I think the world of darts will relish that because they will become leaner, meaner darting machines.” 

Mardle insists the upcoming youngsters will need far more structured guidance as they navigate the rapid rise of prize money. 

He said: “They’re going to need to be led or even managed to the nth degree… I actually believe that they need to be micromanaged. 

“The amount of money being thrown at a lot of these players now is head turning. That can get you doing things that maybe you don’t want to do.

“I like anyone managed by their family because you can guarantee that they’ve got your best interests at heart.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.