Steve Beaton breathed a sigh of relief at winning his first round match at 2016 William Hill PDC World Darts Championship this afternoon at Alexandra Palace, London, writes Ziad Chaudry.
There was no surprise first round exits this time for the 51-year-old from Coventry as he recorded a 3 sets to 0 whitewash over New Zealand’s Koha Kokiri.
The Bronzed Adonis signed off the match with a brilliant 164 checkout which incidentally is the highest finish of the 2016 championships so far, hitting bullseye with his final throw.
"I was delighted with that finish because I didn't want it to go to any more sets," said Sky Blues fan Beaton, who won the BDO version of the world title in 1996.
“It was tough. I never played the bloke before so I was expecting an easier game and he proved a tough opposition really.
“I was under pressure anyway. I’ve never done well here over the last few years but I’m glad. That 164 sealed the game really.
"But I'm pleased with how I played. I took a holiday before this, which I've never done before. I haven't been getting the results I should so I've tried something different. Now I can enjoy Christmas, practice and give it a good go in the next round."
St Helen’s Michael Smith or Holland’s Jeffrey De Zwaan awaits Beaton in Round 2 on December 27.