Smith is well-Beaton

Steve Beaton ended Andy Smith’s dreams of glory with an impressive straight sets win in the first round of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix in Dublin.

By The Newsroom

Published 10th Oct 2012, 10:17 BST

Beaton lost the opening leg, but reeled of six of the next seven to set up a second-round clash against Andy Hamilton.

A superb 11-darter, which included a 160 start, in the second leg gave the former world champion the momentum, with four 180s helping him finish with an average of 94.49

“I haven’t been in this tournament for the past two years so it’s great to be back,” said Beaton.

“I like the double-start format, it’s a good challenge and it’s nice to play a different format, so I enjoyed being back on stage. I’m feeling relaxed and am geared up for this week.”

Beaton meets Hamilton, who beat Mark Webster in straight sets, tomorrow evening.

Andy Smith