Darts legend announces shock retirement to end record-breaking run because his wife ‘hardly sees him’

DARTS cult hero Steve Beaton has announced his shock retirement date.

Beaton, 59, is a former Lakeside World Champion and semi-finalist in the UK Open and World Grand Prix.

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Steve Beaton has announced he will retire next year[/caption]

The “Bronzed Adonis” is playing in his 33rd consecutive PDC World Darts Championship, seeing off Dutchman Wessel Nijman 3-1 in the last 96 of the World Championship on Tuesday night.

However, speaking post match, Beaton confessed that 2024 would be his final year playing darts professionally.

In doing so, he also revealed he wants to spend more time with his wife and family.

Speaking in front of the Ally Pally crowd, he said: “I think next year will definitely be my last.

“However this tournament goes, I’m 60 next year and it’s a gruelling circuit, the ProTour.

“I’ve been married 30 years and my wife hardly sees me, I’m only home half the year.

“People don’t seem to understand how much you have to do really to carry on with the darts, it’s great if you are a youngster now.

“I’d have loved it if it was like that when I was 21 but it’s quite draining and it’ll be nice to spend a bit of time at home for a change.”

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But despite his retirement admission, Beaton is still loving the energy of the crowd.

He said: “It was a tough game, I didn’t know a lot about the lad.

“I knew he was runner-up to Luke Littler and so he can’t be that bad. But he came out firing like nobody’s business so I thought I’m in trouble here.

“Walking up there with that crowd, it’s what you play for. You’re not going to get that buzz anywhere else.

“They don’t let me down, they were great again tonight and the support was unbelievable.”

Beaton, who currently ranks as world No49, is up against Daryl Gurney in the next round.