Greaves makes darts history as first woman to win on European Tour

BEAU GREAVES says her historic European Tour victory “means loads” after becoming the first woman to win on the circuit.

The world No77 battled back from 3-1 down to beat Daryl Gurney 6-4 at the Czech Open and seal a landmark victory.

Greaves, 22, averaged 91.70 and pinned D1 for the win after missing a handful of match darts in Prague.

The Doncaster darter bounced back from an agonising 6-5 defeat to Rob Cross at last week's Hungarian Darts Trophy.

Greaves revealed she needed time to find her rhythm early on before settling into the contest.

She said: “It feels amazing. My debut in Hungary was fantastic. The crowd was amazing. Again, the crowd here have been amazing.

“It is just so nice to win a game on here. I was so nervous at the start to get settled, but luckily I did enough and won the game.

“My scoring came a little bit. Daryl is an amazing player, he is world class. I played him before on the big stage, but it is nice to get the win.

“I just try and play my game and get on with it. I started to play a little bit better after the first half.

“I just get on with the game and I was happy I upped it, otherwise I was going to lose. I was chuffed.

“It means loads to me. It is such a tight stage and you feel so much from the crowd. I have been loving it and the experience.”

Beau 'n' Arrow will face Luke Humphries in a blockbuster second-round clash, with the world No2 having won this tournament three out of the last four years.

She added: “I have played Luke on the big stage before, so I know what to expect.

“He is amazing, isn't he? He is world class. I am going to have to play a lot better than tonight.

“That is what darts is about. You have to play well and I am going to do my best. Let’s see what happens.

“What more do you want than to play one of the best players in the world on a Euro Tour?

“I will be more than ready.”

It caps a record-breaking year for Greaves, who has also become the first woman to hit a nine-darter on the ProTour and win a Players Championship title.

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning