Beau Greaves’ first match against the legendary Michael van Gerwen lived up to the hype, but ultimately ended in defeat.The emerging women’s star, who beat world champion Luke Littler earlier this autumn, took on the Green Machine in the Group G at the Grand Slam of Darts and came away with a 5-4 opening defeat.PDCMvG was clearly impressed by what he saw from the rising star[/caption]The World Youth Championships finalist took a one leg lead against Van Gerwen and after the Dutchman fought back to lead, she forced a decider after winning back-to-back legs.By that point the majority of the Wolverhampton crowd were fully behind the English talent, booing MvG’s every throw.That atmosphere may have played its part too, as Van Gerwen missed four match darts to Greaves’ two in a thrilling final set.Van Gerwen eventually got the job done though, collecting two points and leaving Greaves with zero.She will now face another heavyweight in Gary Anderson next in Group G.And another defeat will likely see the 21-year-old sent home before the knockouts.Greaves has competed in the Grand Slam of Darts in both 2023 and 2024, where she failed to progress out of the groups on both occasions.2025 is clearly a very different situation, though, with Greaves enjoying some sublime form.She has twice beaten Littler, with the first coming in the semi-finals of the PDC World Youth Championship which he was expected to win with ease.“I had two ten-dart legs, missed double 12 for a nine and still couldn’t win,” he wrote on social media after.“Fair play to Beau Greaves, all the best in Minehead. Some talent.”More to follow.