Beau Greaves may force PDC into tough decision after previous ban from World Darts Championships

Beau Greaves' impressive performance at the UK Open could force the PDC to reconsider its entry rules for the World Darts Championship. The 21-year-old Englishwoman, currently considered the best female dart player in the world, reached the fourth round of the tournament in Minehead with victories over Stefan Bellmont, Rhys Griffin and Mickey Mansell.

Although she was eventually eliminated by Luke Humphries, Greaves managed to lead 7-5 at one point and was close to a sensational victory. However, her lack of experience at the highest level gave Humphries a chance to come back. He won five legs in a row and eliminated Greaves after all.

Her growing status could be good news for the PDC, which previously benefited from the emergence of Luke Littler at the last World Darts Championship. Still, a notable rule could thwart her participation in the upcoming World Darts Championship unless the rules are changed.

Under current PDC rules, players without a Tour Card may not participate in both the World Darts Championship and the WDF World Championship at Lakeside. The World Darts Federation hosts an annual tournament there for both men's and women's players.

Greaves chose to defend her title at Lakeside last year rather than participate in the World Darts Championship. She expressed her frustration with this rule, calling it "stupid.

After her performance at the Grand Slam of Darts, she spoke out about this rule."It's a shame they make you choose. I don't understand that. I don't know why they do. I think it's stupid. I wouldn't go on and win Ally Pally.

"I'd give it a good crack and see if I played well. But, ultimately, I want to be a ladies' world champion and we'll see if I can do that again in December."

It is still unclear whether Greaves will turn down next year's World Darts Championship again, but the PDC could benefit from a rule change. Female players such as Fallon Sherrock have already shown to generate extra attention when they participate at Alexandra Palace, and Greaves could do the same if given the opportunity to play both tournaments.

Luke Humphries was full of praise for Greaves after their meeting at the UK Open and felt Greaves belongs at the PDC.

"She belongs in big-time darts. If we were in a Premier League game, she would have beaten me there. She’s still very young but she’s got a massive future ahead of her. I’m going to be sharing the stage with her a lot more.

"I really enjoyed it, that's what I said to her afterwards. It was great fun, she was amazing. She played so great. I think she dropped off in the end, that's what she said, but the long format she's probably not used to playing. She's a fantastic player there and she really had to bring the best out of me."