Steve Beaton is renaissance man after World Matchplay exploits
'The Bronzed Adonis' is back to his best, 20 years after winning Lakeside title
Thursday 21 July 2016 12:36, UK
Steve Beaton is enjoying something of a renaissance following years out of the limelight, returning to the oche and playing darts from out of this world.
It's been 20 years since 'The Bronzed Adonis' claimed the coveted Lakeside championship.
Sixth seed Beaton came through five hard-fought matches to clinch the BDO World Championship beating Co Stompe, John Part, Martin Adams, Andy Fordham and then Richie Burnett in the final.
Needless to say, Beaton is a darting demigod, sporting the hairy chest, tache, medallion and Bee Gees song 'Stayin' Alive' to complete the walk-on.
In fact, Beaton has even broken the twittersphere in the past with #50ShadesOfBeaton.
And it might well be making a comeback after his latest exploits at the World Matchplay in Blackpool.
Coventry-born Beaton, who switched to the PDC in 2001, has been a semi-finalist at the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam and UK Open with his one and only major final coming in 2009 when he lost out to Phil Taylor at the European Championship.
Live World Matchplay Darts
It looked as though his best days were behind him, but the former world No 1 played in his first final since 2014 at the sixth UK Open Qualifier earlier this year before enjoying a solid run of results on the Pro Tour.
Beaton has now taken his fine form to the Winter Gardens and at 52 is proving that age is no barrier.
After knocking out World Championship semi-finalist Jelle Klaasen, he followed that result up with a stunning 11-7 victory over Michael Smith on Wednesday night.
Beaton continued to roll back the years against the up-and-coming Smith - averaging just under 100 and registering a 65 per cent checkout success in a high-quality contest to reach his first TV quarter-final since his run at the Grand Slam nearly six years ago.
"Is it that long, really? No. I was in the final of the Pro Tour the other week," Beaton joked. "I play for the buzz and it's brilliant. I'm getting paid for it as well, something I love, it's brilliant. If I can carry on for another 10 years then all the best."
Live World Matchplay Darts
He now faces World Champion Gary Anderson for a place in the semi-finals and although he will be the clear underdog, Sky Sports darts expert Wayne Mardle believes he shouldn't be underestimated.
"It's one of those feel good results," the 2003 World Matchplay runner-up said. "Steve Beaton has been one of the favourites, here and everywhere in darts for decades and Steve has this hunger and desire and the love of a paycheck apparently.
"It can drive someone who loves playing the game because it comes to simply to him. He holds the dart, he lifts his arm up and just throws.
"That performance was different class from Beaton. That is a performance where Michael van Gerwen, Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson would have struggled to keep Steve from reaching 11 legs.
"The finishing under pressure, which he had to do was just magnificent. That was one of those heart-warming wins that most people enjoyed apart from Michael Smith and his fans.
"We don't expect Steve to have his 99 average over this long format. The way he did it with the panache and style that only he can produce, we've seen quality darts from start to finish."
Check out daily Darts news on skysports.com/darts, our app for mobile devices and iPad and our Twitter account @skysportsdarts and watch Steve Beaton take on Gary Anderson, live on Sky this Friday.
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