Star-Studded Lineup Set for Blackpool
The eight-player field for the 2026 Betfred Women's World Matchplay has been confirmed, with a blend of former champions and exciting newcomers ready to battle for the title at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
Defending champion Lisa Ashton will be joined by two-time winner Beau Greaves and 2022 champion Fallon Sherrock as the headline names. The trio are joined by Gemma Hayter, Vicky Pruim, Deta Hedman, Rhian O'Sullivan and Kirsi Viinikainen, who all secured their spots via the PDC Women's Series Order of Merit.
The tournament will be held on Sunday, July 26, with the winner set to pocket a £15,000 top prize and secure qualification for both the Grand Slam of Darts and the 2026/27 World Darts Championship.
Quarter-Final Draw and Matchups
The draw bracket was finalised following the conclusion of PDC Women's Series Event 16. The quarter-finals will be played over the best of nine legs, semi-finals best of nine, and the final best of 11 legs.
- (1) Beau Greaves vs (8) Kirsi Viinikainen
- (4) Gemma Hayter vs (5) Vicky Pruim
- (2) Lisa Ashton vs (7) Rhian O'Sullivan
- (3) Fallon Sherrock vs (6) Deta Hedman
Key Contenders and Storylines
Beau Greaves
Top seed Greaves arrives as the form player after an unprecedented 114-match winning streak on the Women's Series between April 2025 and March 2026. The 22-year-old won back-to-back World Matchplay titles in 2023 and 2024 and will be determined to reclaim the trophy against Finland's Viinikainen in a rematch of last year's opening round.
Lisa Ashton
Lancashire's Ashton defends the crown she won last year against O'Sullivan, who makes her third appearance. The experienced left‑hander remains a formidable force on the big stage.
Fallon Sherrock
The ever-present Sherrock, victor at the inaugural 2022 staging, reached finals in the past two years but fell short each time. She faces debutant Hedman, a 66‑year‑old icon who claimed a second Women's Series title last month.
Debutants and Dark Horses
Hayter vs Pruim pits two newcomers against each other. Hayter has enjoyed consistent results in 2026 with two finals, while Sweden's Pruim captured her maiden Series title in May.
Prize Money and Qualification Benefits
The total prize fund stands at £40,000, with the winner receiving £15,000 and the runner‑up £8,000. Semi‑finalists earn £4,500 and quarter‑finalists £2,000 each. Crucially, the champion secures a spot in November's Grand Slam of Darts and the 2026/27 World Darts Championship.
How to Watch
The tournament will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports, with coverage also available on the Sky Sports app for subscribers. Cord‑cutters can stream the action via NOW, Sky's contract‑free streaming service. International broadcast details are yet to be confirmed.
Quick Facts
Event: 2026 Betfred Women's World Matchplay
Date: Sunday, July 26, 2026
Venue: Winter Gardens, Blackpool
Format: Quarter/Semi-finals – best of 9 legs; Final – best of 11 legs
Total Prize Fund: £40,000
Defending Champion: Lisa Ashton
TV Coverage: Sky Sports / NOW (UK)
Key Takeaways
- The fifth staging of the Women's World Matchplay features three former champions in Greaves, Ashton, and Sherrock.
- Beau Greaves enters as top seed—and favourite—after a historic 114‑match winning run on the Women's Series.
- Quarter-final draw throws up an immediate rematch between Greaves and Viinikainen, while Sherrock meets iconic debutant Hedman.
- Winner pockets £15,000 and earns coveted spots in the Grand Slam of Darts and World Darts Championship.
- Watch all the action live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW.
