Fallon Sherrock told ‘women won’t beat male players like Luke Littler’ after losing final | Other | Sport

Women’s World Matchplay champion Beau Greaves sent a clear message to Fallon Sherrock after beating her 6-2 in the final in Blackpool.

The 20-year-old underlined her status as the best female player in the world, notching four 180s and finishing with an average of 98.75.

Not only did Greaves retain her title, but victory means qualification into the men’s PDC World Championship later this year, as well as the Grand Slam of Darts.

However, she has already confirmed that she will turn down a place at Ally Pally, instead prioritising the chance to defend her WDF Women’s World Championship title. And she also candidly dismissed the prospect of excelling against the top male players, having previously been knocked out of the 2023 World Championships in the first round by William O’Connor.

“I just don’t think we will ever be good enough to play against the likes of Luke Humphries, Michael Van Gerwen or Luke Littler,” she said. “You’re facing a losing battle before you’ve even thrown a dart. I think for me, the women’s game is more important.”

Sherrock shot to superstardom in 2020 when she reached the third round in the most prestigious event in darts, and was duly dubbed “the Queen of the Palace.” However, in each of the past three seasons she has fallen at the first hurdle, and Greaves has warned her that any ambitions of going all the way are misplaced.

“I don’t think any lady will ever go to Ally Pally and win that,” she added. “You are literally being silly if you think that’s possible. I know how I can play but it doesn’t necessarily happen on the day. Men are just more consistent. You have to be realistic and ask if it’s going to go anywhere.”

Greaves however, has called on the PDC to introduce better platforms for female players. And she thinks the authorities could look at an alternative format in order to benefit her and her rivals. 

“We are not going to be as good as the men so you have to think if they are going to take the risk with us and have their own World Championship,” she argued. “It would be great. They do a Matchplay, why not do that side of it?”

Greaves will head to the Lakeside in November aiming for a third straight WDF crown. She also has a World Masters, Australian Open and two Dutch Open titles on her list of major wins.

Her latest tilt at a title initially appeared in the balance, with Sherrock fighting back from 2-0 down to level matters. However, ‘Beau ‘n’ Arrow’ duly upped the ante, reeling off four straight legs to as her compatriot struggled to keep pace with her.