BEATON COULD MAKE SURPRISE WORLDS COMEBACK

STEVE BEATON has revealed he could make a shock return at the PDC World Championship.

‘The Bronzed Adonis’ called time on his incredible run on the main PDC circuit at the end of 2024 after a record-breaking 33 consecutive World Championship appearances.   

The former Lakeside champion says he’s busier than ever on the darts circuit, spending up to half the year on the road competing in exhibitions all across the country. 

Beaton, 62, currently competes on the Challenge Tour and, as an associate member, could still earn a return to Ally Pally this December as he looks to reignite his competitive edge. 

He told SunSport: “I can go and play in different things now because I’m an associate member. 

“I mean I could even go in the World Qualifier. If I fancied that in September or October, I’d have a go at it. I could even qualify for the Worlds.

“I do miss the competitive side sometimes. Exhibitions are great but it’s nice to play some competitive games as well. 

“I generally wanted to slow down a bit. Spend more time with the wife. We’ve been married 33 years now. 

“I worked it out that half the year I’m away in hotels. It’s quite a daunting job really. 

“But I love darts. It’s one of those things that are in my blood. It’s hard to just stop completely. 

“I’m sort of winding down. But the way it’s worked out, I’ve got more exhibitions this year.

“It’s hard to turn down work. So, you just generally carry on.” 

Beaton will next be in action on Pluto TV from April 20–25, teaming up with Fallon Sherrock for the third edition of International Pairs Week on the MODUS Super Series. 

The pair will represent England in the 12-nation, 24-player tournament. 

Beaton revealed he has been working hard to stay fit away from the oche in a bid to prolong his career and extend his longevity in the sport. 

He added: “Some days I may do a 12-mile cycle and then I’ll go into the gym and swim for half an hour at least. 

“I’ll try to do that every day when I’m at home. I need to feel fit because you can’t keep doing this and just sit on your backside all the time. 

“You’ve also got to keep your arm in. And if I want to keep to the standard then I’m going to have to put the effort in. 

“For the last 20 years, I was a bit lazy when I was younger. Though I did all sports at school, such as rugby and football. 

“When you’re at home, I can eat properly, do some exercise. And then when you’re back on the road again, it can be burgers and bits.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.