Dennis Priestley believes Beau Greaves is the “only woman who can give the men a game” as she prepares to make her Grand Slam return. Despite not making as many headlines as her adversary Fallon Sherrock, 20-year-old Greaves has quickly become the name to beat in women’s darts.
A two-time ladies’ world champion – and looking to defend her crown and notch a third this year – Greaves defeated Ricardo Pietreczko and narrowly lost out to Nathan Aspinall in Wolverhampton last time out. Despite a recent refusal to play against the men after a far-from-enjoyable PDC World Championships debut, she’ll be present at the Grand Slam later this month.
Former world champ Priestley, regardless of Greaves’ previous gripes, feels that this tournament is the perfect opportunity for her to display her talents. And while he doesn’t believe that the prodigy has the game to compete for the title in Wolverhampton just yet, he remains confident she can cause an upset against a few top players as she did last year.
“No. That’s a big ask [to win the Grand Slam],” Priestley replied when asked about Greaves’ chances. “If the tournament average stays around 80, then yes, she can win it, but to produce five or six games with a near 100 average – I don’t know if she’s capable of doing that. She’s definitely capable of causing major upsets.”
Despite having not yet entered the upper echelons of the men’s game, Priestley feels as though Greaves is by far the most talented female on the planet – ahead of rival Sherrock.
“Fallon Sherrock set the standards and was a flag bearer for women’s darts,” he added. “She did what she did and it was fantastic. She seems like she relishes playing in the men’s game but she hasn’t been able to follow it up since. I can’t see Beau being jealous of Fallon. She knows she’s miles better than her.”
Given his backing of her, Priestley was caught off guard by her comments about not wanting to face males. He reckons she should embrace all the opportunities that come her way because of her talent.
“I thought Beau Greaves would’ve relished the opportunity to play in the men’s game to see how good she can be,” Priestley told OLBG. “I think it’s an ideal opportunity for her. Beau can probably win two or three women’s games and not get as much money as she would from the Grand Slam. That’s got to be a big factor in why she’s decided to play.
“A big reason for playing has to be the money because Beau has to finance her career. I’m not sure what sponsors she has but it’s not cheap, having to go abroad, paying for hotels and food when you get to these events. She’s the only woman capable of giving the men a game because she’s capable of a 100 average.”
