Beaton exits World Matchplay

Beaton had reached the second round after a stunning 10-3 demolition of two-times runner-up Terry Jenkins on Saturday, averaging 100.97 against the seventh seed.

The former world champion admitted he had “got on a roll” to beat Jenkins, but it was Webster who had the advantage of momentum in the second-round clash, producing a thrilling run which included four ton-plus finishes.

Beaton more than held his own over the first 14 legs of the second-round encounter, averaging over 100 for the most part.

However, killer finishes of 158 and 142 from Webster took the wind out of his sails and secured the tenth seed a quarter-final date with world champion Adrian Lewis.

“It’s great to be in the quarter-finals,” said Webster: “I improved on my first-round performance and I think the 158 knocked a bit of stuffing out of Steve.”

Despite his defeat, Beaton had the consolation of a cheque for £7,500.