Darts legend Steve Beaton has declared his intention to retire at end of 2024 season after over 30 years as a professional.
Beaton, the 1996 Lakeside champion, joined the PDC in 2001, reaching three TV ranking semi-finals, coming runner-up at the 2009 European Championship and competing in 23 consecutive PDC World Championships.
Speaking after his first round win over Wessel Nijman at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship, Beaton revealed next year will be his last competing on the PDC circuit.
"I was originally planning to issue a press release at the end of January before the ProTour started, stating that 2024 would be my final year on the PDC circuit."
"I was hoping that I would be able to hand back my Tour Card at the end of next year, instead of losing it, and hopefully I will qualify for the Paddy Power World Darts Championship next year too and get the chance to step down on the biggest stage of all."
"After winning against Wessel Nijman on Tuesday and subsequently speaking to the media about my future, I thought it was better to make this announcement now that this will be my last year as a professional on the PDC tour."
"It has been a fantastic journey for me. The PDC has been a huge part of my life and I would like to thank everyone involved for what they have created for me and all darts players worldwide."
"Maybe in some sort of way I'd like to be still involved in PDC - they have been a huge part of my life and it's been a great rollercoaster ride."
"My full focus will be of course playing my best darts in 2024 in the PDC, and in 2025 I will be playing the World Seniors Darts Tour, which after turning 60 next April probably will suit me better."
"The World Seniors look to be creating a fantastic place for us older players, and as I reach the twilight of my career, it seems the logical place for me to be."
"I will of course still be doing exhibitions and promotional work for well into the foreseeable future as this is a huge part of my life and still something I want to be involved in as long as I possibly can."
"I'm really looking forward to 2024 and would like to thank my wife Nanette for her continued support throughout my career and my sponsors Winmau, Wigley Group and Aviation recruitment and all the fans and supporters for their huge support."
"I'm excited about what's ahead of me, starting with my second round game against Daryl Gurney on Saturday in the World Darts Championship."
