Beau Greaves says her landmark victory over world champion Luke Littler has given her fresh belief as she prepares for a packed winter schedule of tournaments.
The 21-year-old from Doncaster shot to wider attention when she beat Littler last month to become the first female player to reach the world youth final. She says that result, and the manner in which she produced it, has helped her confidence.
‘When I beat Luke, it did give me a big confidence boost,’ Greaves said. ‘I suppose I’ve just lacked confidence over the years, and I’ve got a little bit of it now.’
Five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld has suggested that a strong run at the PDC World Championship, which begins next month, could earn her a spot in the eight-player Premier League. Greaves was cautious but positive about the idea.
‘I can’t imagine I would get the Premier League unless I did obviously have a crazy run but I mean I wouldn’t say no,’ she said. ‘It’s maybe a little bit much for me, but you know it’d make it a bit exciting, wouldn’t it?’
The Premier League runs from February across 17 consecutive Thursday nights. The top four in the world rankings qualify automatically and four further players are chosen as wildcard entries; Van Barneveld has said a World Championship breakthrough would likely secure her selection. Greaves said she appreciates the praise but is realistic about the competition for those places.
‘People go on about the Premier League being a bit flat and boring but I always end up watching it every week. It would be amazing to play in it but I don’t think I deserve it considering all the other players that could get in,’ she added. ‘It’s nice that people say good things about me. I appreciate all the comments.’
Littler himself rose rapidly, reaching the world final in 2024, winning the world title in 2025 and claiming the Premier League on his debut appearance. Greaves beat him 6-5 in a high-quality match, averaging 105 and closing the decider with an 11-dart leg to set up a world youth final against Gian van Veen on 23 November.
Greaves finished the PDC Women’s Series on an extraordinary 86-match winning run, has earned a two-year professional tour card and will compete at the World Championship at Alexandra Palace from 11 December. Before that she appears in the Grand Slam of Darts, where she opens against former world number one Michael van Gerwen. Her group also includes two-time world champion Gary Anderson and Germany’s Niko Springer; the top two in each group progress.
‘I don’t really care who I’m playing, I think I did a few years ago. I’m just going in with an open mind and trying to stop being so negative,’ she said. ‘I’m trying to be positive and happy and enjoy the game. If you enjoy it, practise and work hard, then I think the results will come.’
