World Darts Championship 2026: Daryl Gurney Predicts Beau Greaves Will Be ‘A Force to Be Reckoned With’

Reigning World Cup of Darts champion Daryl Gurney silenced the 3,500 fans inside Alexandra Palace, and millions watching at home, as he knocked out fan favourite Beau Greaves in a shock first-round clash at the PDC World Darts Championship.

Greaves, a two-time Women’s World Matchplay champion, had been tipped by many fans and pundits as a dark horse to go on a deep run on her return to the sport’s biggest stage, with hopes of becoming just the second woman to win at Ally Pally after Fallon Sherrock. This time, however, it just wasn’t to be.

A Nightmare First-Round Draw

While Greaves was one of the dangerous names all top-64 players would have hoped to avoid in round one, it was Gurney who drew the short straw. The Northern Irishman, though, showed no signs of concern.

Fully aware of the talent Greaves possesses, Gurney approached the contest as he would against any of the game’s elite, preparing no differently than if he were facing a multiple world champion.

"It didn't bother me because the way I look at it, she's so good that I would give her as much respect as if I was playing MVG or anyone in the top eight in the world. And that's the way I approached the game."

"I just thought that give her all the respect you want to give and don't be thinking you're going to walk over her.”

Greaves the Favourite

Given her outstanding form across the Women’s Series, Development Tour and her impressive recent showing at the Grand Slam of Darts, Greaves went into the match as the favourite in many eyes.

Some may have questioned that assessment considering Gurney’s pedigree as a two-time PDC ranking event winner and World Cup champion, but the man himself had no doubts.

“She deserved to be favourite going into that game.”

Additionally, he 21-year-old has enjoyed a remarkable breakthrough year, becoming just the second woman to earn a PDC Tour Card on merit after finishing runner-up in the Development Tour rankings, claiming three titles along the way.

Greaves also reached the World Youth Championship final, famously beating reigning world champion Luke Littler en route, before eventually losing out to Dutch star Gian van Veen at Butlins’ Minehead.

She will now compete full-time on the PDC tour for at least the next two years, consistently testing herself against the very best players in the world.

“A Force to Be Reckoned With”

Despite ending her World Championship run, Gurney believes Greaves’ future on the professional circuit is incredibly bright, and imminent success is inevitable.

"She's going to be a force to be reckoned with next year on the PDC tour.”

"As I said, she's the best woman darts player on the planet. She can outscore anybody, she can finish anybody. She’s beat Luke [Littler] in exhibitions and the world youth semifinals.”

“I’ll stick to my guns. If I was a betting man, which I don't bet, but she will definitely win a pro tour next year, if not a European [championship].”

No Advice Needed

When asked if he could offer Greaves any advice heading into her first full season on tour, Gurney declined – believing her self-development is what makes her most dangerous.

“I can’t give her any advice. She’s going to learn it on her own. The best thing she can do I play on the pro tour and play PDC full time. She’s a great player as it is.”

“Next year when she’s done a full year on tour she’ll be even better and that’s the scary part.”

Hoping to Avoid Her Next Time

Gurney may have come out on top this time, but he’s already wary of what the future holds, and admits he’ll be hoping Greaves is nowhere near him in next year’s World Championship draw.

“If the draw comes out next year, I hope I don't play her because she’ll be even better,” he concluded.