Fallon Sherrock is out at the first hurdle on her return to the Alexandra Palace where she produced her brilliant exploits two years ago with
Steve Beaton producing a brilliant display in his 31st consecutive
World Darts Championship campaign.
Beaton claimed victory in a 3-2 sets win which saw five 180's, 33% on the doubles and a high checkout of 126 in one of 'The Bronzed Adonis' best displays for some time on the big stage when it mattered most.
Beaton produced an incredible comeback coming from 2-0 down to seal the first set in a decider with a 126 checkout. Sherrock returned to the foray with a 100 checkout and followed that up by going 2-1 up looking for the second set.
But it was vintage Beaton with a 180 and double eight for a 12-dart leg to hold and he sent it over to Sherrock to hold.
Beaton missed the bull for an 81 checkout and watched as Sherrock claimed the set to make it 1-1 despite a 104 average from the former.
After a poor leg, Beaton got down to 46 which he pinned for a clinical hold. Double six saw him claim a break of throw to go one away with a hold from a 2-1 sets lead.
He missed a 104 checkout for the set and Sherrock returned for a 60 checkout but missed two darts allowing Beaton back but he missed three darts.
But Sherrock went down to 5/11 allowing Beaton another chance for double four. Sherrock stopped the rot of sorts with a hold.
Beaton missed an 80 checkout to hold and Sherrock pinned double four for a break. Sherrock missed 68 and Beaton also missed 120 which allowed Sherrock to force a decider.
An 80 checkout started the decider with a hold. But a 140 left 40 for Sherrock who held throw to tie it up at 1-1. A good leg from Beaton saw him pin double 16 to go one away.
A 68 checkout on double 16 saw ‘The Bronzed Adonis’ claim victory not giving the Milton Keynes ace a chance.