Beau Greaves responds after Michael van Gerwen said female darts stars couldn't compete

Beau Greaves insists she has no issue with Michael van Gerwen's previous claim that female darts players wouldn't be able to compete with their male counterparts. Greaves, the leading player in the women's game, will face Van Gerwen in the opening round of group matches at the Grand Slam of Darts on Saturday.

Beau & Arrow has enjoyed an outstanding year on the oche, topping the PDC's Women's Series and landing a full PDC Tour card via the Development Tour. She secured her place at the Grand Slam by winning the Women's World Matchplay in the summer, while she has opted to play at the PDC World Championship this year instead of defending her WDF women's title at the Lakeside. Recently, Greaves also secured a landmark victory over Luke Littler to reach the World Youth final later this month.

Greaves, 21, insists she now relishes facing the men on the big stage, having previously preferred playing against women on the floor. Ahead of the Grand Slam, she was asked about Van Gerwen's comments from eight years ago when he said female players couldn't compete with males at the top of the game.

She said: "I said that a few years ago as well! We've both said the same thing. It'll be interesting. Some of the men don't like playing the women, some don't care. I know I can beat anybody, I've got the game for it. Who else would you rather play [than Van Gerwen]? It's great for me."

Greaves' blockbusting form has even seen her linked with a potential Premier League place next year. She would require a strong run at Ally Pally to force her way into the reckoning, but says she would grasp the opportunity with both hands.

Her inclusion would certainly add spice to the 17-week darting roadshow, given complaints about the repetitive nature of the current format. A modest Greaves said: "I think it's maybe a little bit much for me that, but it'd make it a bit exciting, wouldn't it?

"People go on about the Premier League, it being a bit flat and boring, but I always end up watching it every week. It'd be amazing to play in it. I don't think I'd deserve of it considering of all the other players that could get in."

After facing Van Gerwen in her opening Group G match on Saturday, she then faces Gary Anderson and German ace Niko Springer, with the top two progressing to the last 16.