Beau Greaves insists she has nothing to fear after securing her Cazoo World Darts Championship qualification in sensational style last weekend.
Greaves won eight consecutive PDC Women’s Series titles to book her Alexandra Palace debut, extending her astonishing winning run to 52 matches as the 2022 Women's Series concluded in Wigan.
The 18-year-old didn’t feature in the year’s first 12 events, but after scooping all four titles in Hildesheim back in August, she repeated the feat last weekend to complete a remarkable story.
Greaves trailed Fallon Sherrock by £1,800 ahead of Events 17-20, only to overhaul the Milton Keynes ace with a series of record-breaking displays.
"Before the weekend started I knew I was an outsider," said Greaves, who will become the youngest woman to compete at the World Darts Championship.
"I came into this weekend with nothing to lose. I played well in patches and to miss 12 events and still finish in the top two – it’s a brilliant achievement."
The highlight of Greaves’ weekend saw her post a spectacular 107.86 average - the highest recorded by a female player - in the Event 19 final against Sherrock.
The pair shared the opening six legs of the contest, before Greaves followed up a magnificent 148 finish in leg seven with an 11-darter to cap off an imperious display.
"I didn’t feel any pressure," admitted Greaves, who is set to become the seventh woman to feature in the sport’s showpiece event.
"We all know how good Fallon is, but I thought if I can play my game it’s going to be a good game, and we both produced.
"I just played my game. I wanted to win to prove myself in a way, because there are so many great players around and you’ve got to beat the best to be the best.
"The 148 finish came at a pivotal time, and I kicked on afterwards with the 11-darter. I thoroughly enjoyed it. This was a game to remember."
Greaves also posted a ton-topping average in a 4-1 victory over Lisa Ashton in Event 20 – landing five 180s in as many legs before recording a sixth straight win over Japanese star Mikuru Suzuki to make it eight titles on the spin.
"I’ve just enjoyed it and I think that is where my results have come from," added the WDF Women’s World Champion.
"I think you can ask any dart player – you have those games where you know you’re going to have to produce your best game, and I can do that.
"Another thing for me is knowing that I can do it under pressure, when you get to those moments where you need to produce those big finishes, and that was massive for me this weekend."
The Doncaster darter was touted as a future star after bursting on to the scene as a 12-year-old prodigy, but she’s had to overcome plenty of adversity in her fledgling career.
The teenage sensation feared for her future in the sport after suffering with dartitis in 2020, but after remodelling her throw during lockdown, she has returned with a vengeance to dominate the women’s game.
"I lost my throw completely and it all went downhill,” revealed Greaves, who is also set to feature at next year’s Betfred Women’s World Matchplay.
"I think that’s why I now talk about enjoyment and playing with no pressure, because I know if I don’t, I could fall back into that trap.
"I might have the odd dart [going astray], but that's what you have got to deal with when you come across dartitis."
The 18-year-old will be among the 32 International Qualifiers heading to the capital in December, and she will be joined by Women’s Series Order of Merit winner Ashton – making her fourth Alexandra Palace appearance.
Greaves could take on the likes of Northern Irish star Josh Rock, Australia’s World Cup winner Simon Whitlock or five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld in round one, and she’s determined to savour the experience.
"I think it’s going to be a pivotal moment in my career, and what an achievement just to qualify," declared the Yorkshire ace.
"I’m really looking forward to it. I will just enjoy the moment and hopefully my family can be there.
"I don't fear anyone because getting there is a bit of a bonus. If I play really well, I can beat anyone.
"This is only the beginning, so I’m looking forward to whatever’s to come."