“I Wouldn’t Say No!” - Beau Greaves Reacts to Van Barneveld’s Premier League Call

Beau Greaves has humbly downplayed talk of a potential Premier League call-up, despite five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld tipping her to be a wildcard pick when she turns professional in the New Year.

Van Barneveld, who has watched Greaves’ meteoric rise with admiration, believes the 21-year-old Doncaster star is set to “cause much trouble” on the oche once she joins the PDC circuit full-time. 

The Dutch legend, a five-time world champion himself, said he was “proud” of Greaves’ journey and expects her to shake up the men’s game.

The 58-year-old is eager to see how the women’s world number one fares in her third appearance at the Grand Slam of Darts, which begins this weekend in Wolverhampton. 

Making history and beating the best

Greaves faces three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen on Saturday night, with two-time champion Gary Anderson and German Niko Springer also in her group.

Greaves recently made history by becoming only the second woman, after Lisa Ashton, to win a PDC Tour Card on merit, securing her 2026 place through the Development Tour. 

She also grabbed headlines by defeating reigning world champion Luke Littler in the World Youth Championship semi-final, booking a final spot in Minehead later this year where she will face Gian Van Veen. 

Barney backs Beau for Premier League breakthrough

Van Barneveld, who has twice been beaten by Greaves on the ProTour in recent months, insists there is no shame in losing to her, and believes her talent transcends gender.

"She’s going to cause really much trouble next year, because I know men, and they don’t like to play a woman,” Van Barneveld said in a recent interview.

“You can say, a woman, but she’s quality. She does her country proud, and her family and herself proud."

“Hopefully, if she does well in the World Championship, I can guarantee you she’ll get a Premier League ticket.”

Speaking ahead of the Grand Slam, Greaves said she was honoured by Van Barneveld’s words, especially coming from a player she grew up idolising.

"It's great. It's just nice, isn't it? I mean they don't have to say that sort of stuff, so it's sweet for me. Obviously, I've watched all these players growing up.”

"It's nice that people say good things about me, I appreciate all the comments.”

“I wouldn’t say no” to Premier League invite

While flattered by Van Barneveld’s Premier League prediction, Greaves doesn’t feel ready to join darts’ elite roadshow just yet, though she wouldn’t hesitate to accept if the opportunity arose.

"I mean I can't imagine I would get in the Premier League unless I did obviously have a crazy run.”

"But I mean I wouldn't say no.”

“It’d make it a bit exciting, wouldn’t it?”

Greaves also admitted that her inclusion could inject fresh excitement into the competition, which some fans have labelled as “flat” and “boring” in recent years.

"I think it's maybe a little bit much for me that, but it'd make it a bit exciting wouldn't it.”

"People go on about the Premier League, it being a bit flat and boring, but I always end up watching it every week. It'd be amazing to play in it.”

"I don't think I'd deserve it considering of all the other players that could get in."

As she prepares for another major test on the Grand Slam stage, Greaves’ focus remains on continuing her rapid rise, though with praise like Van Barneveld’s ringing in her ears, the Premier League might not be as far-fetched as she thinks.