The PDC has insisted that the World Darts Championship is “open to all players” after WDF winner Beau Greaves called for a separate PDC women’s event to be introduced.
The 20-year-old, nicknamed ‘Beau ‘n’ Arrow’ won her third consecutive WDF women’s world title on Sunday night after sweeping aside Sophie McKinlay 4-1 in the final.
However, her participation in the WDF event means she will be ineligible for the PDC World Championship despite it being open to both men and women.
Greaves, who plays in the PDC Women’s Series and the World Matchplay, has called on darts chiefs to introduce a separate ladies-only Worlds.
PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter responded to Greaves’ comments by saying the Worlds at Ally Pally is “open to all players”.
He said in a statement to Sky Sports: “We have invested over £700,000 into women’s darts over the past five years since introducing the PDC Women’s Series and Betfred World Matchplay and remain committed to providing opportunities for all players to progress within the PDC system.
“At present we do not plan to introduce a separate Women’s World Championship; the Paddy Power World Darts Championship is open to all players and is a reward for successful players on the PDC Women’s Series and the Women’s World Matchplay winner.
“Our ProTour, Challenge Tour and Development Tour remain open to all players, and from 2025, players from the PDC Women’s Series will also get the chance to qualify for the Winmau World Masters and also compete in the Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts in addition to free entry places on offer at the PDC Qualifying Schools.”
After wrapping up her win, Greaves said: “I love WDF darts. It’s the only tour that gives you a World Championship for women,” said Doncaster thrower Greaves.
“The PDC is great. But it doesn’t have a World Championship (for women). It has a World Matchplay. That isn’t good enough.
“The PDC has to have a World Championship to justify having a Tour for the ladies. The Women’s Series is great, and the money is good.
“At the same time, we want more for it. The ruling about not being able to play both is stupid.
“I can understand the men doing it but the women, I don’t understand that part of it – they don’t have a World Championship for the women.
“The WDF has a ladies’ world championship, and you have to pick what is best for you.”
Watch the World Darts Championship on Sky Sports!
Live darts returns to Sky Sports at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championshipbeginning on December 15, as Luke Humphries defends his title with Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and Michael Smith all in action from Alexandra Palace – and you can enjoy the very best here.
Stream Sky Sports live with no contract on a Month or Day membership on NOW. Instant access to live action from the Premier League and EFL, plus darts, cricket, tennis, golf and so much more.
