A bang at the 2024 Darts World Cup: Former BDO world champion Steve Beaton has announced his imminent end to his career after his opening victory.
Steve Beaton wants to end his darts career after next year. “I’ll be 60 next year. I’ve been married for so long and my wife just doesn’t see me,” explained the “Bronzed Adonis” on Tuesday evening immediately after his success against the young Dutchman Wessel Nijman.
Beaton won 3-1 in the sets at Alexandra Palace in London. In the second round, the veteran challenges Northern Irishman Daryl Gurney.
Beaton is a veteran at the Darts World Cup
Beaton is part of the inventory at the Darts World Cup and has always been at the start of the most important tournament of the year since 1992. The larger the gap left by the ancient rock will be.
“Many players don’t understand what it means to be a darts professional. I was always busy and I loved it,” said Beaton, referring to the busy tour calendar. The 1996 BDO world champion also works as a driving instructor. It’s “great when you’re young.” But now he plans to “spend more time at home,” said Beaton at the press conference after his game.
Darts World Cup 2024: Beaton calls for Gurney
But Beaton isn’t finished yet. The right-hander is the slight underdog in the duel with Gurney, but with his appearance in the first round the Englishman showed that he can still keep up despite his advanced age as an athlete. The darts legend scored an average of 92.01 points per shot in the Ally Pally on Tuesday evening and thereby pulled Nijman’s teeth.
The encounter against Gurney will take place on Saturday in the afternoon session. Then it will be decided whether Beaton will return to Alexandra Palace after Christmas.