Beau Greaves, who had edged out Luke Littler to reach the World Youth Championship final, was defeated 6-3 by defending champion Gian van Veen in Minehead.
Van Veen, averaging 96.55 and hitting six of 10 doubles, produced a 118 checkout to seal victory at the Butlin’s resort. The Dutch 23-year-old also landed a 161 earlier in the match and recorded one 180. Greaves averaged 90.42.
In a race to six legs, Van Veen opened with a 14-dart hold before Greaves pegged one back on double eight. Van Veen responded with heavy scoring and a 161 that left him 24 to finish, which he took on double 12. He then broke Greaves after hitting his first 180 and converted an 86 finish to move 4-1 ahead. Greaves reduced the deficit by holding throw and then broke back, but five missed darts at doubles proved costly and Van Veen closed out the match with the 118 finish.
Van Veen becomes only the second player to defend the PDC World Youth Championship title, joining Dimitri Van den Bergh (2017, 2018). He said: “I’m over the moon. It feels really good to retain my title. I’m only the second player to retain the title after Dimitri, and to see what Dimi has done since… I think they are encouraging signs for myself. This weekend has given me massive confidence, not just beating Beau but also beating Luke Humphries on Friday, so hopefully it’s going to be my year.”
Greaves has enjoyed a remarkable year on the PDC Women’s Series, compiling an 86-match winning run, 13 consecutive Women’s Series titles and 18 Women’s Series titles in 2025, and she secured a PDC Tour Card via the Winmau Development Tour. She reached the Youth final after beating world champion Luke Littler in the semi-finals and will return to the World Darts Championship in December.
Former world champion Raymond van Barneveld has suggested Greaves could be in Premier League contention if she produces a deep run at the Worlds. Gary Anderson also praised her, saying she will “cause so much trouble next year” on the ProTour. Michael van Gerwen, however, warned that the Premier League can be brutal and that Greaves should first adapt to the tour.
Players to win back-to-back PDC World Youth Championship titles:
– Dimitri Van den Bergh (2017, 2018)
– Gian van Veen (2024, 2025)