Today’s headline story is this: James Wade has put Beau Greaves back in the spotlight by claiming she is already “better than most men”. It’s a bold statement, but it hasn’t come out of the blue: it comes a few weeks after Greaves won her third Women’s World Matchplay title, just as Wade is preparing to play in the New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland.
For us, the interest lies not just in the wording. Wade isn’t talking about a prospect to keep an eye on from afar, but about a player he already believes is capable of giving many players on the men’s circuit a run for their money. Put another way: the debate surrounding Greaves is taking on a new tone. The discussion is no longer just about her dominance in women’s darts, but about the place she might occupy in the wider hierarchy of professional darts.
James Wade doesn’t beat about the bush
His comments, reported by DartsNews, are very direct. Wade describes Greaves as “the real deal”, then adds that she can “easily average over 100”. This isn’t a polite compliment offered ahead of a tournament. It’s a player’s assessment, coming from a former major winner who knows the calibre of genuine opposition on the stage.
The most telling part concerns their previous encounter. Wade explains that he played Greaves whilst averaging 115.92 – an exceptional level even for him. Yet he says he was nervous before the match and emphasises that Greaves stayed in contention. The raw score isn’t given here, but the point is clear: for Wade, the threat was no mere theory.
What this really says about Beau Greaves
Greaves needs no introduction. Her third Women’s World Matchplay title has already confirmed what the circuit has been seeing for some time: she possesses rare consistency, an ability to hold her own in the closing stages of matches, and an average that goes beyond the scope of a women’s draw. We’d already covered this after her third Women’s World Matchplay victory, but Wade’s exit adds an important layer: it comes from within the circuit itself.
The nuance matters. To say that Greaves is dominant amongst women is stating the obvious. To say that she can strike fear into established players, with a rhythm capable of maintaining an average of around 100, is quite another matter. That is precisely why this statement carries more weight than a mere tribute.
A recognition, but also a dig at media coverage
Wade goes further by suggesting that certain female players have at times been given more prominence than their results warranted. The comment is bound to spark debate, as it touches on a sensitive subject: the way the darts world portrays its female figures. But at the heart of his argument remains Greaves. In his view, she has the skill, the results and the sporting credibility to deserve greater exposure.
Let’s not kid ourselves: this outburst also serves Wade’s interests. It comes during a week when he is in Auckland, where the World Series is seeking attention, and where any statement about the big names spreads quickly. But even with this element of timing, the substance remains interesting. Wade isn’t trying to create a media personality. He’s highlighting a player whose results already back up his argument.
Current context
| Player in question | Beau Greaves |
|---|---|
| Strong statement | James Wade describes her as ‘better than most men’. |
| Recent achievement | Third title at the Women’s World Matchplay. |
| Background | Wade is preparing for the New Zealand Darts Masters in Auckland. |
| Sporting highlight | Wade cites a match in which he achieved an average of 115.92. |
Why this statement matters now
The real issue, ultimately, is the next step. Greaves is already dominating his natural terrain. The question now is how often she will want to – and be able to – compete on the most competitive circuit. Wade isn’t speaking on her behalf, but he’s sending a signal: amongst the established players, her standard is no longer treated as a mere curiosity.
Time will tell just how far this can go. But on this occasion, the message is clear: when a player of James Wade’s calibre speaks of Beau Greaves as a genuine sporting threat, the discussion moves into a whole new league.
