Beau Greaves made history as the first woman to compete in a PDC European Tour event, but her debut ended in heartbreak as Rob Cross edged a last-leg thriller in Budapest. The match, played on Friday, saw both players average over 100, with Cross ultimately prevailing in the deciding leg after Greaves missed her chance on 70.
Greaves, who qualified for the Budapest tournament last month, pushed the former world champion all the way in a contest that lived up to its billing. The young star showed no nerves on the big stage, trading blows with Cross throughout the match and leaving the crowd on the edge of their seats.
However, it was Cross who held his nerve in the final leg, capitalizing on a costly error from Greaves when she was left with a chance on 70. The defeat was a cruel blow for Greaves, but her performance will undoubtedly go down as a landmark moment for women's darts.
Despite the loss, Greaves' achievement in reaching the European Tour stage has already made waves in the sport, and her display against one of the game's elite players suggests she belongs at this level. Cross, meanwhile, advances to the next round, but he was made to work hard for his victory by a player who is clearly destined for great things.
