In a moment of pure sporting respect, Daryl Gurney paid a magnificent tribute to young rival Beau Greaves after narrowly defeating her in a first-round thriller at the PDC World Darts Championship.
A Nail-Biting Ally Pally Encounter
The rising star, Beau Greaves, came agonisingly close to creating history at Alexandra Palace, pushing the experienced Daryl Gurney all the way to a deciding set before falling to a 3-2 defeat. The 21-year-old was on the cusp of becoming only the second woman ever to win a match at the sport's premier event, showcasing incredible skill and nerve on the big stage.
Greaves demonstrated why many considered her a favourite, averaging above 91 and hitting seven maximum 180s during the high-quality contest. She even won more individual legs than the Northern Irishman, only to be ultimately undone by the set-play format. The match, played on 20 December 2025, had the Ally Pally crowd captivated from start to finish.
Gurney's Classy Gesture Speaks Volumes
It was after securing the final leg that Gurney, known as 'Superchin', displayed true champion's grace. Before embracing his opponent, he raised Greaves's arm aloft towards the appreciative audience and even bowed at her feet, a gesture that underlined his immense respect for her performance.
Speaking in his post-match interview, Gurney was effusive in his praise. "For me, she is the best female darts player on the planet," he stated. "If there's going to be a darts player that can win the World Championship or any majors, that's the player you want to look to. What a player."
He acknowledged the pressure of the match, adding: "Everybody said she was favourite going into the game, but I showed my class and composure and got over the finish line. Next year, she's going to be a force to be reckoned with. She's going to win some PDC tournaments."
Greaves's Determination for the Future
The defeat, though heartbreakingly close, has only strengthened Greaves's resolve. In a recent interview with The Guardian, the talented thrower revealed a significant shift in her mindset and ambitions.
"I've changed my perspective on it," Greaves explained. "When I first started playing, I just wanted to be a ladies' world champion. But I started beating better players, and the penny dropped: I can be good enough to do this full-time."
She identified a key area for improvement, highlighting the increased ruthlessness required at the very top level. "In the nicest way possible, when I play against the ladies now I can get away with a lot more. If I miss a double, I might have another three or six darts at it. So I need to really nail that part of my game. That's what I've tried to focus on: to make myself as competitive as possible."
Gurney's victory books his place in the second round of the World Darts Championship, but the lasting memory from this match will be the spectacular emergence of Beau Greaves as a genuine force in the PDC and the profound sportsmanship shown in its aftermath. The darts world will be watching her next move with great anticipation.
