Beau Greaves Hints at Alexandra Palace Return as World Matchplay Defence Looms

Beau Greaves has revealed she is seriously considering a return to the PDC World Darts Championship later this year, after previously turning down a spot on the sport’s biggest stage to honour her WDF commitments.

The 20-year-old, widely regarded as the most naturally gifted female player in darts, caused a stir last year when she declined her invitation to Alexandra Palace despite qualifying outright through the PDC Women’s Series.

Frustrated by the calendar clash

At the time, Greaves made no secret of her frustration at being forced to choose between competing organisations, slamming the lack of coordination between the PDC and WDF as a major hurdle.

But as she eyes a potential third consecutive Women’s World Matchplay crown in Blackpool, her tone has shifted, and a return to Ally Pally could finally be on the cards.

“I have to make a decision at some point. I think it'll be soon.”

An underwhelming debut, but unfinished business

Greaves made her Alexandra Palace debut in 2023 but admitted the experience didn’t live up to her expectations, although she believes things would be very different second time around.

“When I played at Ally Pally the other year, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. But I think that was just because I’d never done it before,” she told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

“I really enjoy Lakeside. That’s what sometimes keeps me going back. I like the tournament; I like being a part of it.”

“I’ve still got a long time to go yet, but it’s definitely on my mind.”

When asked if her improvement as a player would make Ally Pally a more positive experience now, she agreed: “That’s true,” she said. 

“I was so nervous, and I just looked terrified on the stage at Ally Pally.”

“I would be completely different now and that is something I will want to do at some point, whether it’s this year or in years to come.”

Unstoppable on the Women’s Series

Since skipping the 2024 and 2025 editions of the World Championship, Greaves has continued to dominate the PDC Women’s Series, racking up titles with ruthless consistency and remaining world number one.

She’s also defended her WDF World Championship title with ease, winning three straight editions of the prestigious Lakeside tournament.

The lure of darts' richest stage

But the expanding professionalism of the PDC, and its booming prize funds, may now be too hard to resist. Greaves would pocket £15,000 for winning just one match at Ally Pally, compared to £25,000 for lifting the entire WDF women’s title.

And with a total prize pool of £1 million, a dream run through the PDC field could take her earnings to another level.

“Yeah I suppose,” she replied, when asked if she’s leaning more towards an Alexandra Palace return than this time last year.

A decision still to be made

While a final decision is yet to be announced, the signs are pointing toward a long-awaited return to Ally Pally. 

When asked whether she’ll make up her mind before the Grand Slam of Darts, where she looks set to qualify via the Women’s Series, Greaves hinted at where she is leaning towards. 

“I could make a decision now, but I could change my mind tomorrow.”

“Obviously I am leaning towards one more than the other, and it’s probably obvious which one it is,” she teased, suggesting Ally Pally may now be her preferred option.

A potential boost for women’s darts

Greaves’ absence from the 2024 World Championship was viewed as a major blow to women’s representation on the sport’s grandest stage, with Fallon Sherrock and Lisa Ashton left to fly the flag.

Her possible return could elevate the 2025 tournament to a new level of competitiveness and deliver the blockbuster match-ups fans have long craved.

Despite her age, Greaves is already one of darts’ most decorated female stars and has frequently spoken about wanting to compete at the top without turning her back on the WDF, where she remains a central figure.

“I’ve changed my mind before. I chose Lakeside when I’ve said Ally Pally, it’s tough. It’s a lot for me to throw as I’ve won three on the trot.”

“I’d like to go back, but it’s not the same as it was a few years ago.”

Eyes on Blackpool – for now

Before any decision is made, Greaves will have her sights set on the Winter Gardens, where she’ll attempt to win a third straight Women’s World Matchplay crown.

But if she does choose to return to Alexandra Palace later this year, it could be the moment that sends her soaring into the mainstream and elevates the women’s game like never before.