Greaves reveals ‘relief’ after sealing historic third Women’s World Matchplay title

BEAU GREAVES admits she felt “relief” after sealing a historic third Women’s World Matchplay title.

The women’s world No1 survived a huge scare from Fallon Sherrock to edge a thrilling final-leg decider 6-5 at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.

Greaves, 22, produced a brilliant finish under pressure after Sherrock forced the contest all the way, landing a 180 followed by a superb 145 setup to leave 56 before pinning double 10 for glory.

She said: “I'm not one to celebrate but it was relief in the end.

“When I come back to playing in the one tournament we get, it’s hard. I knew it would be tough and I know I wouldn’t ease through it.

“After the disappointment of last year, I’m so chuffed just to get the win. It’s so important for my game going forward.

“Fallon is a great lass and an even better darts player. I knew I had to play well but to hit that last dart was an outpouring of relief.

“Just so happy to win. I knew playing the women is a bit different because I play the men now. Chuffed just to get the win.”

Greaves revealed the pressure of the occasion was something she embraced as she continues to compete against the best players in the sport.

She explained: “I was nervous but that kind of pressure is a privilege.

“What's the men's side has taught me is to hit the double when you get a chance.”

The victory caps another remarkable year for Greaves, who became the first woman to win a PDC ProTour title at Players Championship 11.

She has also hit a nine-darter on the Tour and became the first female player to qualify for the European Tour.

Despite her growing list of achievements, Greaves insists her main focus remains on improving.

She continued: “I just love my life. Love playing darts.

“I can't get enough of it. I'm addicted to it in a way and just love my life, and even supporting the women's game is a massive thing.

“I love darts and it's good enough for me.

“My goal is to just play better.”

Sherrock finished runner-up for a third consecutive year but believes her run has restored confidence in her game.

She added: "I'm taking the positives with my game back. It's there or there about, so just need tweaking to it.

"If someone had said you'd get to the final, I'd take their hand off.

"My nerves were not to bad but credit to Beau.

"Hopefully this kick-starts my season. My main aim is to get to the worlds so if I can regroup my game, you never know, I might go on a run again."

Greaves began her title charge with a 5-1 victory over Kirsi Viinikainen before surviving a 5-4 battle against Gemma Hayter.

Words: Aaron Nijjar

Image: Taylor Lanning