Beaton is internet sensation

On his first appearance at the £200,000 internet-streamed event, Beaton adapted superbly to the behind-closed-doors format, winning five of his seven league games to finish second to Van der Voort on leg difference after the eight-player group phrase.

Beaton then defeated Wayne Jones 6-3 in the semi-finals to set up a repeat clash against Van der Voort, who had beaten him 6-4 in the final group match.

The Wellesbourne thrower made an electric start to the final, hitting a 13-darter in the opening leg, a 161 finish in the second and an 11-darter to win the third.

Van der Voort took out 98 to get off the mark, but double eight restored Beaton’s cushion and a 78 finish moved him to 5-1 up.

Van der Voort hit a 114 finish to stay in the game and also took the eighth on double six, but Beaton’s scoring pulled him clear in the 
next and double 15 gave him the win.

Beaton will now return to Crondon Park on October 14 to compete in the winners group, joining Phil Taylor, Simon Whitlock, Alan Tabern, James Wade and Wes Newton.

“I’m really pleased with my performance especially after the disappointment of just missing out on qualifying for the World Grand Prix the previous week,” said Beaton, who recently returned from Australia having won The Wild Turkey Crown.