Beau Greaves has stunned darts bosses by snubbing an invitation to play in the Paddy Power PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace.
Doncaster's 'Beau and Arrow' – who made her debut at Ally Pally last year – has instead chosen to defend her WDF world title at Lakeside the week before. Under Professional Darts Corporation small print, players are not allowed to compete for different versions of the world title in the same season.
And although she qualified for Ally Pally by wining the Women's World Matchplay at Blackpool in July, 19-year-old sensation Greaves has chosen to defend her WDF crown from December 2-10. She said: "Winning the (women's) world championship last year was one of the proudest moments of my darting career and I want to defend that title.
READ MORE: Darts player produces 'checkout of the year' to leave commentator gobsmacked
READ MORE: 'My scoring is the best in the world – now I'm dreaming of world championship glory'
"That's why I've chosen to play at Lakeside – I'm still in the early stages of my darts career and having the opportunity to become a multiple world champion is hugely motivating. I'm playing well at the moment and I can't wait to get back out on that stage in December."
Greaves impressed on her maiden appearance on the Ally Pally stage last December, going down to a harsh 3-0 defeat in the first round against William O'Connor. With a £25,000 winner's payday on offer at the WDF tournament in Frimley Green, she would have to reach the third round at the PDC showpiece to earn as much money when the tournament opens on December 14.
Should the PDC change their rules? Let us know in the comments section below
In a statement, the PDC said: "We have not been notified by Beau's management of any decision yet in relation to her invitation to play in the Paddy Power World Championship. If she chooses to play in the Lakeside event, we wish her every success."
It would be a big setback for the PDC, who set up a Women's Series set of floor events to grow the levels of female participation and competition, if the ladies' world No.1 was not among the cast at Ally Pally. But if Greaves misses out, it could hand Fallon Sherrock – the only woman to beat male opposition at the PDC World Championship – a reprieve to make the cut this year.
Sky Sports is bringing you 500 live football games to watch, as well access to Cricket, Golf, F1, Boxing, NFL, NBA and more across eight dedicated channels. Sky Sports is the only way to watch all the action this year.
£22 a month
Two places at Ally Pally are reserved for the top two in the Women's Series order of merit, currently occupied by Greaves and Mikuru Suzuki, with Sherrock and Lisa Ashton next in the rankings. And there is still scope for the PDC to rewrite their own rulebook to accommodate Greaves.
Rule 7.4 in their covenant states: "The PDC reserves the right to consult with the PDPA (players union) to add or amend any or all rules at any time to meet any purpose deemed necessary by the PDC board of directors."
Source: Read Full Article
