“Greaves can beat absolutely anybody”: Laura Turner breaks down the chances of all five women at the World Darts Championship

The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship will once again deliver several eye catching first round ties, but none has generated quite the same anticipation as Beau Greaves against Daryl Gurney.

The three time women’s world champion faces a former major winner who has rediscovered his touch in 2025. It is a meeting between a rising superstar and a player with genuine pedigree on the biggest stage.

Laura Turner, long time PDC Women’s Series player and now a Sky Sports analyst, sees danger for both sides. She acknowledges how strong Gurney has looked this year, saying he has been right up in the mix before sliding off the pace, but that winning the World Cup and returning to deeper runs at major events makes him really tough for Greaves to get past. Yet in the same breath she makes her position clear.

“Greaves on her day can beat absolutely anybody. I just think this is another one that could be really close. One of them could run away with it. I think it is who turns up with their best game on the day.”

Greaves has become one of the most talked about players in the sport since her PDC Women’s Series debut in 2023. Her form on the women’s circuit remains relentless, but it is the way she has handled elite opposition on the mixed stage that has captured attention. At the Grand Slam she pushed both Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson, forcing them to maintain high tempo and high scoring throughout their matches.

Turner points to the broader picture as well. “We know she has got the calibre to get past anyone. You only have to look at the recent World Championship, the Youth World Championships. She has beaten Luke Littler in the semi finals 6-5. Luke Littler, the world number one. She had a deep run in the UK Open too, beating ProTour players and running Luke Humphries close in a longer format. She has most definitely got the game.”

Greaves has also rebuilt her career methodically after struggling with dartitis earlier in her journey. Turner highlights that approach as one of her biggest strengths. “She has done it incrementally since struggling with dartitis a few years back. That is a distant memory now and she has built herself up and up. There is a lot to be admired in the way she has done it. She has done it gradually and she has done it to suit her situation.”

That rebuild has produced dominant results, including her remarkable 86 match winning run on the Women’s Series. Turner notes how wide ranging her development has been.

“We saw her move into the Development Tour and the Challenger Tour, picking up titles, qualifying for the Grand Slam and absolutely obliterating most players in the Women’s Series. She is on an 86 consecutive streak there.”

The World Championship format adds another layer of intrigue. Turner believes the set structure may help players who thrive in shorter bursts.

“Instead of one long race, you can treat it as individual matches. A race to three, then reset. No one is ever quite out of it. We have seen real comebacks because you can be close to a win, lose the set, and suddenly there are more legs to play. I think set play will help not just her but quite a few people.”

Sherrock’s historic 2020 run remains a reference point and Turner believes her match with Dave Chisnall could tilt her way.

“If you had asked me before the draw which seed might be in trouble, Dave Chisnall is one I would put up there. His stage matches have not been great for the last 12 to 18 months. Now he has Fallon and the crowd against him. If she can get off to a solid start, she could get past him.”

Lisa Ashton takes on Michael Smith and Turner sees possibilities there too. “Michael is another one where you do not quite know which version will turn up. Lisa has done big things on the Ally Pally stage. The Matchplay has really turned things around for her and she has the confidence again.”

Gemma Hayter faces one of the tournament favourites in Josh Rock. “What a match that is for Gemma. Out of the five women, she has the toughest draw. Rock is a real favourite going into this event. This is a massive test for her.”

Noa Lynn van Leuven meets two time world champion Peter Wright. “She has picked up titles on the Women’s Series and a Challenger Tour title. She can produce big numbers. It is just about whether she can do that consistently against someone like Peter Wright because he is an absolute legend. It all comes down to holding it together when the chance comes.”

Greaves’s recent form, mental strength and performances against the very best give her a real opportunity to cause an upset. Gurney’s resurgence, experience and major winning pedigree make him a dangerous opponent who will not be brushed aside easily.

Turner sums up the tie with one clear thought.