Beau Greaves breaks new ground with victory over Daryl Gurney at the Czech Darts Open
Beau Greaves created a further slice of history as she defeated Daryl Gurney in the opening round of the 2026 Czech Darts Open in Prague on Friday.
Seven days on from her last-leg defeat to Rob Cross at the Hungarian Darts Trophy, Greaves became the first woman to win a match on the European Tour.
The three-time Women’s World Matchplay champion initially trailed 3-1 after Gurney landed a clinical 144 checkout – the same finish which helped him to defeat Greaves in last year’s World Championship.
Nevertheless, the 22-year-old rallied, taking three legs straight in 14, 13 and 11 darts to lead 4-3, though the Northern Irishman levelled the contest to set up a gripping finale.
Greaves then break throw to move a leg away from victory and duly closed out the contest on double one to seal a historic win in the Czech capital.
“It feels amazing,” said Greaves. “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 Luke Humphries in Saturday’s second round, with the pair having previously met 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,” added 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, meanwhile, set up a second round showdown with World Champion Luke Littler following a 6-0 whitewash of Slovakia’s Martin Homola with a 102 average.
“I’m looking at the race for the World Grand Prix at the moment, so every win is very important,” said 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 partisan 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 in Round Two.
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 clash with Stephen Bunting.
Kevin Doets also impressed, averaging 100 in his 6-2 win over Ricky Evans, while Stephen Burton will face recent Hungarian Trophy champion Ross Smith after picking up a second career European Tour win, overcoming condemning Joe Cullen 6-3.
Mario Vandenbogaerde capitalised on a disastrous display from Dirk van Duijvenbode – who averaged a mere 77.5 – as the Belgian veteran cantered to a 6-2 victory.
Callan Rydz claimed his first European Tour win in 11 months as he hammered Cristo Reyes 6-1 to confirm 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 a struggling 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 thrashed Sweden’s Johan Engstrom 6-1 to set up an all-Scottish showdown against Gary Anderson.
Czech Darts Open 2026 Day One Results
Friday September 4
First Round
Afternoon Session
Cameron Menzies 6-1 Johan Engstrom
Andrew Gilding 6-3 David Rosi
Ryan Joyce 6-5 Kim Huybrechts
William O’Connor 6-1 Jiří Brejcha
Niko Springer 6-0 Martin Homola
Kevin Doets 6-2 Ricky Evans
Joe Cullen 3-6 Stephen Burton
Callan Rydz 6-1 Cristo Reyes
Evening Session
Luke Woodhouse 6-4 Connor Scutt
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-2 Adam Gawlas
Dirk van Duijvenbode 2-6 Mario Vandenbogaerde
Martin Schindler 6-4 Rob Owen
Daryl Gurney 4-6 Beau Greaves
Rob Cross 4-6 Keane Barry
Damon Heta 6-4 Karel Sedlacek
Niels Zonneveld 3-6 Jeffrey de Graaf
