Steve Beaton failed to halt the power of Phil Taylor during his 6-2 first round exit in the 888.com European Darts Championships this evening at RWE Sporthalle, Mülheim, Germany, writes Ziad Chaudry.
The 50-year-old Bronzed Adonis from Coventry levelled at one leg all with a double eight finish but costly mistakes saw Taylor, the 16-time world champion from Stoke, move 3-1 ahead.
In the fifth leg The Power went further ahead when Coventry City supporting Beaton missed double six for a 126 checkout attempt.
Despite Beaton taking the next leg with an 11 darter, Taylor, who has won the European title on four occasions, went on to complete a relatively easy 6-2 victory and next plays reigning Lakeside Champion Stephen Bunting.
The surprise result in the first round of matches saw defending champion Adrian Lewis beaten by Jelle Klaasen.
Picture copyright and courtesy of Lawrence Lustig, PDC/Matchroom Sport.