Beau Greaves prediction made by darts legend as she gets set to face male players
Beau Greaves is set to make her eagerly-awaited return to the Grand Slam of Darts later this month - and she's been backed to make a real impact
by Mirror.co.uk · The MirrorDennis Priestley believes Beau Greaves is the "only woman who can give the men a game" as she prepares for her Grand Slam of Darts return.
Despite not grabbing as many headlines as her adversary and peer Fallon Sherrock, 20-year-old Greaves has rapidly become the one to beat in women's darts.
The two-time ladies' world champion - aiming to defend her title and secure a third this year - Greaves triumphed over Ricardo Pietreczko and narrowly missed out to Nathan Aspinall in Wolverhampton last time. Despite recently declining to play against the men following a less than enjoyable PDC World Championships debut, she'll be making a return to the Grand Slam later this month.
Ex-world champ Priestley, despite Greaves' past complaints, believes this tournament is the ideal chance for her to showcase her skills. And while he doesn't think that the young star has the game to vie for the title in Wolverhampton just yet, he remains optimistic she can spring a surprise against some top players as she did last year.
"No. That's a big ask [to win the Grand Slam]," Priestley responded when quizzed about Greaves' prospects by OLBG. "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 not yet dominating on the men's darts scene, Priestley rates Greaves as the top female player globally - even above Sherrock, reports the Express.
"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."
Beau 'n' Arrow will return to Wolverhampton having claimed scalps in the past, and Priestley feels its the ideal time for Greaves to show just what she can do, and earn a stellar fee doing so.
"I thought Greaves would've relished the opportunity to play in the men's game to see how good she can be - I think it's an ideal opportunity for her," Priestley added.
"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."
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