DARTS: COVENTRY-born Steve Beaton eased his way past William O’Connor to reach the second round of the PDC World Darts Championship, writes Joshua Green.
The 53-year-old, who won the BDO World Darts Championship in 1996, has never made it past the last 16 in the PDC incarnation of the tournament.
But he’s on the right road to break his PDC duck after beating his Irish opponent 3-1.
Beaton took the opening set of the contest, breaking the Irishman’s throw in the third leg to seal a one set advantage.
O’Connor, who was making his debut on the Alexandra Palace stage, suffered on the doubles in set two as Beaton capitalised on some crucial misses to extend his advantage.
‘The Magpie’ regathered his concentration to half the deficit with some excellent scoring going into the break.
But Beaton would come out fighting to secure his place in round two.
The experienced campaigner raced into a two leg lead in the final set, but missed match darts as O’Connor kept his hopes alive.
His hope would be short lived however, as Beaton took out 52 to set up a meeting with Vincent van der Voort in round two.
Speaking after his opening round victory, Beaton said: “I know William can play well.
“But I sneaked the first set and he tried to get himself focused.
“I thought the last two sets we both played how we can play.
“He’s just got to learn – I’m still learning. I still get the butterflies and I’m tense and everything.
“I couldn’t believe the ending there, we were both banging them in and I just came out on top.”
The Bronzed Adonis will take on the fast firing Dutchman this Friday, December 22, at the Alexandra Palace.
