The race to the Women's World Matchplay concludes today, with the top eight players heading to Blackpool on the final day of the main World Matchplay to vie for the title. Beau Greaves, as expected, is far and away the leader of the Order of Merit, having collected 57 titles and counting. She surprisingly lost the title last year and will aim to regain it as the outright favourite.
Lisa Ashton has also comfortably qualified, sitting on £13,050 compared to Greaves' £44,500. Fallon Sherrock is also very likely to take her spot, with £11,900, part of a cluster including Gemma Hayter who have long since secured their places. Hayter, who made her Ally Pally debut, will get another chance on the Blackpool stage.
Noa-Lynn van Leuven is the leading absentee due to the PDC's transgender ruling, which has prevented her from playing women's tournaments. Deta Hedman and Rhian O'Sullivan are also absent from Wigan. Hedman, on £7,500, is not in Wigan but is in theory safe unless players go on incredible runs. O'Sullivan, on £6,300, teeters on the edge but is less likely to be caught.
Kirsi Viinikainen is perhaps the one to watch, with Robyn Byrne and Trina Gulliver circling. Gulliver, on £4,900 compared to Viinikainen's £5,400, has been finding form and could be a welcome addition. Jade Gofford, Steph Clarke, and Aileen de Graaf are also ones to watch, as a bad day from any of the 6-8 players could lead to changes.
