Darts
Beaton beats world champion

SOUTHAM ace Steve Beaton booked his place in the Betfair World Matchplay by reaching the third round of the European Open in Dusseldorf at the weekend.

Beaton will meet Kevin Painter in the first round of the event which takes place at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool from July 21-29 and is being televised by Sky Sports.

Beaton, requiring a good performance in Germany, beat Tony Littleton 6-3 in round one which set up a second round clash against world champion Adrian Lewis.

Lewis had swept into the last 32 of the £82,100 tournament at the Maritim Hotel in Dusseldorf on Friday night with a whitewash of qualifier Karsten Kornath, but was unable to repeat the performance against Beaton.

After sharing the game’s first four legs, number 32 seed Beaton won four of the next five to claim a significant 6-3 victory - with his progression to the last 16 on Sunday also helping secure his qualification for the Betfair World Matchplay.

After sharing the opening four legs Beaton then won four of the next five with a 116 checkout in the eighth, courtesy of treble 20, double top, double 8, before sealing success in the ninth leg with double 8.

Beaton’s interest in the competition ended at the third round stage after being edged out 6-5 by Mervyn King in a deciding leg.

Beaton said: “I’m disappointed to have lost against Merv but I’m delighted to have secured my World Matchplay spot.”

Raymond Van Barneveld won the European Darts Open title on Sunday night by beating Dave Chisnall 6-4 in the final.

Tickets are still available fopr the World Matchplay by calling the Winter Gardens Box Office on 0844 856 1111 or by visiting www.blackpoollive.com.

Regional sport »