Women's World Matchplay Preview: Can Anyone Stop Beau Greaves?

The Women's World Matchplay returns this weekend, bringing together eight of the finest players in the women's game for one of the most prestigious titles on the calendar.

While the field may be small, the quality certainly isn't.

World-class champions, former winners, established stars and in-form challengers all arrive with genuine hopes of lifting the trophy, but once again one player enters as the woman everyone else must beat.

Beau Greaves Leads the Way

It is impossible to look beyond Beau Greaves as the tournament favourite.

Her recent form has been exceptional.

Across the last ten matches in the Q4QS database she boasts a perfect 10-0 record, while she arrives after winning two consecutive PDC Women's Series titles before finishing runner-up in another event. She also produced event averages approaching 88 and 89 during that run, highlighting the level she is capable of producing.

Interestingly, her most recent appearance came against the men on the Players Championship circuit, where she lost to Owen Bates despite averaging over 90.

That defeat is unlikely to dent her confidence.

If anything, it demonstrates her willingness to test herself against the very best opposition.

Lisa Ashton Has Already Shown It Can Be Done

If anyone has proved Beau Greaves can be beaten recently, it's Lisa Ashton.

The four-time Lakeside Champion claimed victory at PDC Women's Series Event 15, defeating Greaves 5-1 in the final and averaging over 81 throughout the tournament. It was one of the standout performances of the season and serves as a reminder that Ashton remains one of the toughest competitors in women's darts.

She followed that up with another deep run by reaching the semi-finals of the UKDA National Finals, showing her consistency remains intact.

Fallon Sherrock Chasing Another Major Run

No preview would be complete without Fallon Sherrock.

Although she hasn't added another major title recently, Sherrock continues to reach the latter stages of big events.

A semi-final in Women's Series Event 15 and a quarter-final in Event 16 underline that she is never far away from another big weekend.

Few players possess more experience on television than "The Queen of the Palace", and that experience could prove invaluable.

Plenty of Form Players Arrive

One of the fascinating aspects of this year's event is just how many competitors arrive after lifting trophies.

Gemma Hayter heads to the Winter Gardens fresh from victory in the WDF World Masters, continuing what has been an excellent season.

Vicky Pruim arrives as the reigning UKDA National Finals champion and has built strong momentum over recent weeks.

Veteran star Deta Hedman also comes into the tournament after another title-winning campaign, proving once again that experience remains a huge asset.

Kirsi Viinikainen and Rhian O'Sullivan complete a field packed with recent winners, ensuring there will be no easy opening matches.

Five Players to Watch

Beau Greaves

Still the benchmark in women's darts. Two recent Women's Series titles, unbeaten in her last ten matches and producing some of the highest averages in the game.

Lisa Ashton

The player who recently defeated Greaves in a Women's Series final. If she reproduces that standard, another major title is well within reach.

Fallon Sherrock

One of the biggest names in women's darts. Television experience and proven ability to deliver on the big stage make her a dangerous opponent for anyone.

Gemma Hayter

The reigning WDF World Masters champion continues to build momentum and has quietly become one of the most consistent performers in the women's game.

Vicky Pruim

Fresh from lifting the UKDA National Finals title, Pruim arrives full of confidence and could be one of the dark horses this weekend.

Can Anyone Stop Greaves?

Every major tournament needs a storyline, and this one is obvious.

Can anyone prevent Beau Greaves from adding another major televised title to her growing collection?

Lisa Ashton has already shown it is possible.

Fallon Sherrock remains one of the most dangerous players on a televised stage.

Gemma Hayter, Vicky Pruim and Deta Hedman all arrive with recent silverware of their own.

With so many players bringing title-winning form into Blackpool, the Women's World Matchplay promises to be one of the most competitive editions yet.