'There are 16 players good enough' : Could Women's World Matchplay be expanded as commentator sees need for evolution

The conversation around the growth of women’s darts has gained new momentum following recent comments made by darts commentator Chris Murphy. He spoke openly about the future of the Women’s World Matchplay, questioning whether the current structure of the tournament is doing enough to showcase the growing pool of talent in the sport.

In the clip share Via Sky Sports on ‘X’, Murphy expressed a desire to see the format and scale of the Women’s World Matchplay change. "I’d like to see the format increased… the field as well," he said, pointing to a belief that there is now enough depth in the women’s game to justify a more expansive and competitive setup. "I think there are 16 players good enough to put on a show," he added, suggesting that the existing eight-player field could reasonably be doubled without compromising quality.

This perspective aligns with the broader push for greater inclusion of women in professional darts. As the standard of the women’s game continues to rise, fans and players alike are calling for more meaningful opportunities on the biggest stages. The idea of an expanded tournament is not just about numbers; it’s about reflecting the evolution of the sport and giving top female players the same platform to shine.

However, Murphy also acknowledged the practical challenges involved in implementing such changes. "I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened at some point, it’s more how do you schedule it in," he said. The logistics of tournament planning remain a sticking point, particularly when considering how to integrate women’s matches into the broader PDC calendar. He posed two options: "Do you put a woman’s match on at the start of every men’s session… or do you have a standalone tournament on Sunday like you do now?"

Each new idea surrounding the structure presents its own pros and cons. Including women’s matches in men’s sessions could normalise their presence and showcase them to larger audiences, but risks relegating them to a secondary status if not handled with equal promotion. On the other hand, retaining a standalone format allows the women’s event to have its own identity and spotlight but it also limits crossover exposure to mainstream PDC fans.

Murphy concluded by emphasising the importance of match structure in any future plans. "If this is going to be the PDC’s standalone major for the women then I think it should be played over a longer format." Currently, the short format of the Women’s World Matchplay can make it difficult for players to settle into matches or mount comebacks, which are often part of the drama in longer men’s contests. Extending match length would not only boost the tournament’s prestige but also help reflect the serious level of competition now present in the women’s game.

While no official changes have been announced, Murphy’s comments highlight a discussion that’s gaining traction among fans, commentators, and players. The foundation is there with a growing field of talented players, a proven appetite for women’s darts, and increasing calls for greater visibility. Expanding the Women’s World Matchplay feels less like a question of ‘if’ and more like ‘when’” The real challenge now lies in figuring out how soon the PDC chooses to act.