Darts champion felt 'no pressure' in beating men

The first woman to receive a Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) ranking said she did not feel any pressure when competing against men because she played so well.

Beau Greaves, 22, from Doncaster, became the first female to win a PDC title when she defeated Michael Smith 8-7 in the Players Championship 11 final in Milton Keynes on Monday.

She said it had been a "really dramatic moment" and to be the first woman to attain the ranking was "brilliant".

"It's the best feeling - I've only had my tour card [entry into top-tier tournaments] for a couple of months and to win so quickly is amazing, I'm really proud of myself."

Greaves said she knows there is pressure at the higher level of competitions, but she takes it in her stride.

"There are different kinds of pressure, depending on who I am playing - but playing men, I don't feel it that much.

"I didn't feel any that day," she said of her victory on Monday.

"It was free flowing, the darts were all going in and I felt fantastic."

Greaves began her career aged 11 under the captaincy of her father Dave at the Little Plough pub in Doncaster city centre.

She started playing as a child with her brother, who told their dad his sister "was actually really good" before she went on to compete alongside her whole family, including her grandfather.

"When I was younger I wasn't a girly girl, I was a tomboy and I started playing with my brother," she said.

"Those are happy memories, when I first started. It's been a real journey."

Dave Greaves previously said his daughter showed an aptitude for the game from a young age and the family knew she had a career beckoning in the sport.

"She's capable of beating anybody, without a doubt," he said.

"Beau's the best lady player there's ever been. They all fear her, they all know how good she is and they don't want to draw her."

Greaves said her nickname "Beau and Arrow" was growing on her.

She said there are darts with her face on for sale and fans have started asking for her shirt and autograph.

"It's so strange being so young and people wanting stuff from you. It's such a lucky life at 22."

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