Key Highlights
- Michael van Gerwen defeated Beau Greaves in a thrilling match at the Group G stage of the Grand Slam of Darts.
- The crowd turned against Michael van Gerwen, booing him throughout his throw.
- Beau Greaves has shown promising form, beating world champion Luke Littler twice and qualifying for the PDC World Championships.
- Michael van Gerwen’s victory leaves Greaves on the brink of an early exit from the Grand Slam of Darts.
The Match That Changed Everything: Greaves vs. Van Gerwen at the Grand Slam of Darts
In a match that turned heads and hearts, Michael van Gerwen, one of darts’ most decorated players, faced off against Beau Greaves in Group G at the Grand Slam of Darts on November 8, 2025. The event was eagerly anticipated due to Greaves’ recent success, including her victory over world champion Luke Littler earlier this autumn.
The match began with Greaves taking a one-leg lead against Van Gerwen, but the Dutchman quickly fought back to take the lead. Despite the crowd’s initial support for the emerging talent, they soon turned on Michael van Gerwen, booing him at every throw.
By that point, the majority of the Wolverhampton audience was firmly behind Greaves.
The tension in the air was palpable as both players pushed themselves to their limits. In a thrilling final set, Van Gerwen missed four match darts to Greaves’ two, but he managed to secure the victory with two points. This left Greaves with zero, marking a significant milestone for the 21-year-old’s Grand Slam of Darts campaign.
Van Gerwen’s Impressiveness and Greaves’ Potential
Despite her defeat, Michael van Gerwen was clearly impressed by what he saw from Greaves. “I had two ten-dart legs, missed double 12 for a nine and still couldn’t win,” wrote Luke Littler on social media after his own match against Greaves. This indicates that even world-class players like Littler found Greaves to be a formidable opponent.
Greaves’ performance has been nothing short of remarkable, with the 21-year-old having twice beaten Littler and achieving success in multiple tournaments. She is already competing on the PDC World Tour and has two WDF world titles under her belt. Her recent form suggests that she could be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.
Expert Perspectives: The Future of Women’s Darts
Raymond van Barneveld, a legendary player in the darts world, has expressed his belief in Greaves’ potential. “Trust me, she’s going to cause really much trouble next year,” he said. Van Barneveld highlighted that men may not like playing against women but emphasized that quality should be the only consideration.
“To me, that doesn’t matter. No one can say to me, ‘oh, Ray, do you feel ashamed because you lost to a woman?’ Well, try your luck, pal. Try to beat her then.’” He also pointed out Greaves’ recent performance, noting how she had defeated Dennie Olde Kalter 6-0 with a 107 average just before playing against him.
Conclusion
A Rising Star in Darts
The match between Michael van Gerwen and Beau Greaves is a testament to the evolving landscape of women’s darts. Greaves’ performance, despite the defeat, has put her on the map as a rising star in the sport. As she progresses through the Grand Slam of Darts, the potential for further breakthroughs cannot be underestimated.
The match serves as a reminder that the world of darts is dynamic and full of surprises, with women like Greaves challenging established norms and pushing boundaries. The future looks bright for both Greaves and her peers in the competitive world of professional darts.
