PDC UK Q-School Day One Round-up | Steve Beaton defeated by Shane McGuirk in dramatic final match encounter

The first day of UK Q-School brough the usual drama and excitement it normally possesses. This includes the return of Steve Beaton, who came very close to making the final stage in a last-leg decider against Shane McGuirk.

Beaton got a bye in the first round before defeating Mat Caste (5-3), Tommy Morris (5-0), and Lee Evans (5-3) to set up the tie against the 2024 BDO World Champion. McGuirk had played a game more, winning against Michael Finch (5-2), Mike Warburton (5-4), Kevin McDine (5-3) and Justin Bradshaw (5-3) with Beaton the next test.

It was not the highest quality affair, with both players trying to shake one another off. It went to a last-leg decider, with automatic entry to the final stage firmly on the line. It was McGuirk who prevailed, with Beaton stranded on eight after missing match darts beforehand. He will have to return along with over 400 players from today to try again tomorrow and Wednesday to confirm their spot in the final stage commencing from Thursday.

Former World Cup champion John Henderson was one of two Scottish darters to reach the last-32 stage, joined by Jamie Tiley. Despite this, they put in a poor showing, gaining just one leg between them. Tiley would fall to Lews Pride, while Henderson was whitewashed by Jamie Chaplin.

It was very English dominated near the end of the day, with one of the more recognisable faces, Jamie Hughes, getting the job done. The former European Tour winner did not drop more than three legs in any match, getting the better of Lewis Paul in the final clash.

Former World Youth champion Arron Monk is looking to re-claim his tour card after losing it in 2024. It was a relatively comfortable outing for the 35-year-old, winning 5-2 against Daniel Ayres with a 94.44 average.

It was a better showing for the Welsh than the Scottish, with two Welshman securing spots for the final stage. They were Llew Bevan and Derek Coulson. Joining them were Tommy Lishman, Martin Grearson, Robbie Martin, Shaun Fox, Simon Stevenson, Tom Lonsdale, Danny Goddard, Tom Sykes, and James Welding who will be returning on Thursday.

There were disappointing early exits for the likes of Gemma Hayter, who missed six match darts to progress. Alan Norris, Kevin Painter, John Part, Andy Hamilton, Richie Burnett and Mark Dudbridge. The action continuing at the Marshall Arena tomorrow.

Tommy Lishman (79.43) 5–3 (71.15) James Evans-Bradford
Martin Grearson (98.29) 5–2 (85.66) Lloyd Walker
Arron Monk (94.44) 5–2 (92.55) Daniel Ayres
Jamie Chaplin (72.96) 5–0 (73.12) John Henderson
Robbie Martin (91.65) 5–0 (84.50) Keelan Kay
Derek Coulson (83.19) 5–4 (77.81) Killian McCormack
Shaun Fox (92.23) 5–3 (90.96) Joe Croft
Simon Stevenson (98.88) 5–0 (82.00) Damien Grimes
Tom Lonsdale (87.94) 5–3 (87.99) Jake Eichen
Shane McGuirk (77.66) 5–4 (83.86) Steve Beaton
Danny Goddard (97.53) 5–1 (79.25) Charlie Large
Tom Sykes (84.89) 5–2 (87.95) Joseph Heywood
Lewis Pride (88.54) 5–1 (70.71) Jamie Tilley
Jamie Hughes (84.75) 5–2 (86.11) Paul Lewis
James Welding (88.46) 5–1 (78.18) Jamie Kelling
Llew Bevan (82.65) 5–2 (80.10) James Howard Hughes