Steve Beaton's longevity in darts has been self evident with consecutive active runs in both the World Championship and UK Open but this is also the case with the World Matchplay next month.

While Beaton is provisionally in the field, the popular 'Bronzed Adonis' is set for a 20th consecutive appearance in the tournament and a 21st in all.

He competed in 1998 but since then has played from 2001-2019 so has played in 21 in all; but is far and away the longest active player in the tournament.

Adrian Lewis is just behind him having played 15 from 2005; where he reached the Quarter-Final on debut. James Wade is only just one behind having played 14 consecutive while Mervyn King though is the only player currently who's run is under threat.

He is on 13 but is in danger of missing out; as he is currently not in the provisional field despite reaching the Quarter-Final last year.

Michael van Gerwen on the otherhand is down with eight having played every year since 2012. He played in 2007, 2008 and 2009; but failed to qualify in the intervening two years before his emergence as the Green Machine.

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