Recalling Steve Beaton’s 2017 Players Championship Victory at 53
Seven years ago, on June 17, 2017, darts veteran Steve Beaton, affectionately known as the “Bronzed Adonis,” secured his fifth PDC title at the age of 53. This triumph marked his first major tournament win since 2013, when he emerged victorious in a Euro Tour event.
The 13th Players Championship of the 2017 season witnessed the participation of several familiar names, including Kevin Painter, Ronnie Baxter, Richie Burnett, Wes Newton, Jamie Caven, and Mark Webster – all of whom have since relinquished their PDC Tour Cards.
Beaton’s path to the title was seamless, as he began with a 6-0 victory over Matthew Dennant, followed by wins over Keegan Brown (6-4) and Robert Owen (6-2). He then faced his compatriot Dave Chisnall, prevailing 6-4 before cruising past Kirk Shepherd (6-0) to reach the semifinals.
There, he encountered Rob Cross, who was still in his maiden year as a Tour Card holder. Beaton’s experience proved pivotal as he dispatched “Voltage” 6-3 to secure a place in the final. Awaiting him was the formidable two-time world champion, Gary Anderson.
In a dominant display, Beaton saved his best performance for last, beating Anderson 6-3 with a remarkable average of 107. The Englishman started the final in stunning fashion, finishing 125 and following it up with a 12-darter to take a 4-1 lead. Though Anderson reduced the deficit to 5-3, Beaton sealed the title.
Since this triumph, the “Bronzed Adonis” has not managed to add another PDC tournament to his tally, despite coming close on several occasions. In 2017, he reached the final of the Dutch Darts Masters, where Michael van Gerwen ultimately proved too strong. More recently, in 2022, Beaton qualified for the final of the 30th Players Championship but fell 8-6 to James Wade.
As the 60-year-old Beaton approaches the end of his PDC career, he has announced that he will relinquish his Tour Card after this season. However, the darts legend has revealed that he will continue his competitive journey on the World Seniors Darts Tour, where he will aim to add more titles to his illustrious career.
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