Beau Greaves (Photo PDC)
Beau Greaves became the first woman to win on the European Tour, defeating Daryl Gurney 6-4 at the 2026 ČEZ Czech Darts Open to create history on Friday.
Greaves, after losing a last-leg decider to Rob Cross on her European Tour debut last week, fended off three-time Premier event winner Gurney to break new ground on the opening day at the PVA Expo and set up an enthralling round two clash against defending champion Luke Humphries.
The three-time Women’s World Matchplay champion initially trailed 3-1 after Gurney struck a stinging 144 checkout – the same finish which helped him to defeat Greaves at the 2025/26 World Championship last December.
Nevertheless, the 22-year-old rallied, taking three legs straight in 14, 13 and 11 darts to lead 4-3, although the Northern Irishman levelled the contest to set up a gripping finale.
The Doncaster arrowsmith showed gumption to break throw and go one leg away from victory, closing out the contest on double one to seal a historic win in the Czech capital.
“It feels amazing,” said Greaves after becoming the first female winner in the European Tour’s 15-year history.
“It’s just so nice to win a game, I was so nervous at the start, I don’t know why. It took me so long to get settled, but luckily I did enough to win the game.
“It means loads to me, the crowd’s fantastic. It’s such a tight stage and you feel so much from the crowd. I’m really enjoying it and loving the experience.”
Greaves will take on world number two and three-time Czech Darts Open champion Humphries in a tantalising round two tie, with the pair previously meeting at the 2025 UK Open.
“I’ve played Luke on the big stage before so I know what to expect, he’s world class so I’m going to have to play a lot better than I did tonight,” continued Greaves.
“What more do you want than on a Euro Tour to play one of the best players in the world? I’ll look forward to it and I’ll be ready.”
Niko Springer will also be involved in a titanic clash on Saturday, as the German will face World Champion Luke Littler after whitewashing Martin Homola.
The 26-year-old averaged north of 102 in cruising to victory, and will take on Littler in a rematch of their World Matchplay clash on the world number one’s return to the European Tour stage.
“I’m looking at the race for the World Grand Prix at the moment, so every win is very important,” assessed Springer, who is on course to make his debut in Leicester at the end of the month.
“I think this one was especially important, so I’m very happy and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.
“I have nothing to lose to be honest. I’m feeling very confident. Of course it will be hard, but it’s best of 11, so let’s go, I’m ready!”
Damon Heta silenced the Prague crowd with a 6-4 triumph over Czech number one Karel Sedlacek, wrapping up victory with an 11-darter to earn the right to take on Jonny Clayton.
There was further Czech frustration as Krzysztof Ratajski eased past Adam Gawlas 6-2, with the Polish number one taking on Jermaine Wattimena in tomorrow’s opening contest.
Luke Woodhouse produced a remarkable comeback against Connor Scutt, reeling off five consecutive legs to triumph 6-4 with an average in excess of 104 to set up a round two clash with Stephen Bunting.
Kevin Doets also impressed, averaging over a ton in his 6-2 win over Ricky Evans, with the Dutch star taking on compatriot Danny Noppert on Saturday.
Stephen Burton will face recent Hungarian Darts Trophy champion Ross Smith after picking up a second career European Tour win, condemning Joe Cullen to a sixth consecutive defeat in Prague.
Mario Vandenbogaerde stunned Dirk van Duijvenbode with a 6-2 win and will face three-time World Champion Michael van Gerwen in round two, while Callan Rydz’ first European Tour win in 11 months earns him a tie against Gerwyn Price.
Martin Schindler picked up a first European Tour win since May in his 6-4 success against Rob Owen, and the German number one will face ProTour number one Wessel Nijman on Saturday.
Jeffrey de Graaf will also face Dutch opposition in the form of European Champion Gian van Veen, courtesy of a 6-3 win against Niels Zonneveld.
Ryan Joyce pipped Kim Huybrechts 6-5 to heavily dent the Belgian’s World Grand Prix hopes, as Keane Barry will lock horns with Chris Dobey after defeating Rob Cross 6-4.
Andrew Gilding and William O’Connor recorded routine wins over Host Nation Qualifiers David Rosi and Jiri Brejcha respectively, while Cameron Menzies downed Johan Engstrom 6-1 to set up an all-Scottish tussle against Gary Anderson.
The 2026 ČEZ Czech Darts Open continues with 16 round two ties on Saturday, as World Champion Littler returns to the European Tour stage, while Humphries, Gian van Veen and Van Gerwen all enter the fray.
Round One Results
Cameron Menzies 6-1 Johan Engstrom
Andrew Gilding 6-3 David Rosi
Ryan Joyce 6-5 Kim Huybrechts
William O’Connor 6-1 Jiri Brejcha
Niko Springer 6-0 Martin Homola
Kevin Doets 6-2 Ricky Evans
Stephen Burton 6-3 Joe Cullen
Callan Rydz 6-1 Cristo Reyes
Luke Woodhouse 6-4 Connor Scutt
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-2 Adam Gawlas
Mario Vandenbogaerde 6-2 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Martin Schindler 6-4 Rob Owen
Beau Greaves 6-4 Daryl Gurney
Keane Barry 6-4 Rob Cross
Damon Heta 6-4 Karel Sedlacek
Jeffrey de Graaf 6-3 Niels Zonneveld
