Steve Beaton achieved a nice milestone this week in his farewell year. 'The Bronzed Adonis' became the third darter ever to have played at least ten thousand legs on the Players Championship circuit.
Beaton achieved this milestone on Wednesday at Players Championship 18, when the former world champion managed to reach the semifinals. He defeated Adam Gawlas (6-2), Robert Owen (6-5), Jermaine Wattimena (6-3), Stephen Burton (6-2) and Michael van Gerwen (6-4), before Beaton lost 7-4 to Ryan Searle in the semifinals.
The 60-year-old Englishman played his ten thousandth leg in the second leg of his quarterfinal against Michael van Gerwen. Currently, Beaton stands at 10,028 legs, as he lost 6-3 to Callum Goffin in the first round of Players Championship 19 on Thursday.
There are only two players who have played more legs than Beaton on the Pro Tour. Peter Wright is the all-time leader with 10,769 legs, while James Wade is on 10,256 legs. Behind Beaton, Vincent van der Voort (9588 legs) and Dave Chisnall (9511 legs) complete the top five.
Beaton on Wednesday also became the fourth darter ever with at least 750 wins on the Players Championship circuit. 'The Bronzed Adonis' now stands at 752 wins. Only James Wade (911), Peter Wright (860) and Michael van Gerwen (795) won a Players Championship match more often.
There won't be many more wins, as Beaton announced in late 2023 that he will play his final season on the PDC Tour in 2024. After this year, he will surrender his Tour Card, then play on the senior circuit.