A much focused Steve Beaton cruised into the second of 2010 totesport.com Players Championships with a convincing 6 legs to 2 victory over Tony Eccles this evening at Circus Tavern, Purfleet.

The 46-year-old world number 19 from Coventry who has stormed into a 5-0 lead before Eccles staged a mini-revival.

But Coventry City suporter Beaton, the 1996 BDO world champion, had the final say in the 8^th leg by closing out the match with a superb two dart 74 finish.

"I'm happy with the win," said Beaton afterwards who will next play Paul Nicholson, a 6-2 winner over world champion Dennis Priestley, this Saturday afternoon. "I seemed to controlled myself, settle myself down and don't let anything get ahead of me. I got to get sort of focused, but with my pace and everything else then I can detect the game.

"I've come into this tournament thinking I've got something to play for."

Tomorrow evening sees Coventry's other representative Steve 'The Muffin' Man Hine begin his quest against Mark Walsh.

Catch all the action everyday live on ITV4.


Picture copyright and credit of 'Lawrence Lustig/PDC.