Beaton makes net gains

Beaton lost just one of his seven group games to reach the last four of the internet-streamed event as league leader.

Only a 6-3 defeat to Simon Whitlock prevented a 100 per cent record, with wins over Alan Tabern (6-2), Andy Smith (6-5), Denis Ovens (6-1), Colin Osborne (6-1), Kevin Painter (6-4) and Vincent Van der Voort (6-4) setting up a semi-final meeting with Van der Voort

However, Beaton’s return meeting with the Dutchman resulted in a 6-5 loss, with the Adonis waiting on 18 as Van der Voort chipped out 118.

Whitlock went on to beat Van der Voort 6-5 in the final to clinch his spot in next Thursday’s winners’ group.

Beaton had another chance to make the final stages when he returned to Crondon Park yesterday (Tuesday).

Beaton followed up his Championship League appearance with a trip to Killarney, Ireland, where he made the quarter-finals of the Irish Masters and the last 16 of the John McEvoy Gold Classic.

Meanwhile, Nigel Heydon was knocked out in the second round of the John McEvoy by Kieran Kehoe.