Beau Greaves is relishing the opportunity to face Luke Littler as she prepares to begin another Grand Slam of Darts campaign.
The English star has been placed in a three-player group alongside Littler and Dutch player Niels Zonneveld, with only the winner of each group advancing to the knockout stage.
Greaves and Littler will meet on Saturday night for the first time since Greaves beat the reigning world champion at the World Youth Championship 12 months ago. Their session is scheduled to begin at 7pm and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
“I think he’s the best player in the world in my eyes,” Greaves said. “He’s fantastic to watch and he’s been amazing, so I always expect him to play really well.”
“I don’t want to go in there thinking he’s off form or struggling, because then I would be terrible. I have to go in thinking he’s going to absolutely smash me, stick to my own game, take any chances I can get and simply enjoy the experience.”
“I think it’s going to be a good game to watch, and just to be part of it is special. I’m looking forward to playing it.”
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Beau Greaves lands double one to beat Daryl Gurney and make PDC European Tour history earlier this year
Greaves has competed at each of the past three editions of the Grand Slam, winning two matches but still yet to escape the group stage.
Last year, the 22-year-old pushed Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson close despite averaging more than 100, and she is determined to make a stronger impression on the stage this time around.
“I played reasonably well at last year’s event. There were some good moments, but I didn’t sustain that level consistently enough,” she said.
“If I want to achieve something really special in this sport, that is an area I need to improve. It’s a challenge I’m ready to embrace.”
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Beau Greaves was agonisingly close to a sensational win over Michael van Gerwen at the Grand Slam of Darts after missing a match dart in their final leg decider
“I’m always trying to become a better player and develop further. I know I’m not quite at that standard yet because I spend so much time competing on the floor, but it’s a work in progress.”
“I’m trying to focus on all the positives rather than worry about anything. I want to look forward to playing on the big stage instead of feeling as though I’d rather be in the floor environment. That’s the mindset shift I’m working on.”
Greaves admits format change caught her by surprise
This year’s Grand Slam has expanded from 32 to 48 players, creating 16 groups of three rather than the previous groups of four.
The revised structure adds extra danger, with any player who loses their opening match put under immediate pressure and potentially eliminated even if they win their second game.
“I had no idea,” Greaves admitted. “I didn’t know there were only three players in each group. I’m not sure why the change was made because it didn’t immediately make sense to me, but it is what it is.”
“It’s certainly different, although you still have to perform well to win your group. I was a little shocked when I found out.”
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Beau Greaves reeled off five consecutive legs to beat Niko Springer in the group stage of the Grand Slam of Darts
Greaves believes facing Littler has become more comfortable for her and she is eager to take on the world No. 1, who has won the last two Grand Slam titles.
“I know Luke is far better than me, but I still have to convince myself that I can win,” she said.
“I can’t go out there hoping to be beaten, even though I know he’s an exceptional player. The thought of losing is a strange one, but that’s the challenge.”
“Luke is the overwhelming favourite to come through the group, so that adds an interesting dynamic. Still, there’s a significant prize-money difference between finishing second or third, which means the rankings are also at stake. I’m just trying not to overthink it, enjoy every match and give my best.”
