After comfortably winning this year's Women's Matchplay in July, it seemed inevitable that Beau Greaves would make her second appearance at the Ally Pally in December. Despite this, the 19 year old has opted to defend her WDF crown at Lakeside instead and in doing so, could potentially cause a bit of a stir...
Beau Greaves has been nothing short of sensational this season. She currently sits top of the Women's Series order of merit and in turn occupies one of the two spots reserved for female players at the PDC World Championships.
Last year, Greaves was able to compete in both the WDF and PDC world titles. However, the PDC have since announced that players are unable to compete in different versions of World Championships in the same season.
Read more: World Grand Prix so far
Greaves' decision to play at Lakeside could be a potential PR nightmare for the PDC. The organisation has done a lot to increase popularity and participation in the women's game, including introducing a Women's Series of floor events this year. It would leave them a bit red in the face if the poster girl of female darts chose to play elsewhere.
Between now and December, it is worth noting that the PDC can amend their World Championship qualification regulations, so it will be interesting to see if they rewrite the rulebook to ensure Greaves' participation.
While some will argue that it is crazy for 'Beau n Arrow' not to play at the Alexandra Palace, the 'Holy Grail' of darts, I think her decision shows character and maturity.
As a 19 year old, darting wonderkid, she truly does have the world at her fingertips and will have plenty of time to showcase her ability on the Ally Pally stage. Furthermore, from a financial point of view, Greaves would receive £25,000 for retaining her title but would have to make the third round of the PDC tournament to emulate those figures.
Read more: Darting domination: how does Beau Greaves compare?
Her decision shows that she is unfazed by the sly tactics of the PDC and that she doesn't want to be dethroned as queen of the WDF.
My only quibble with Greaves' decision to snub the PDC is that she said, "I want to defend my WDF title." By that logic, with her current domination of the women's game, she could be returning to Lakeside for many, many years to come...
Add comment
Comments