Beaton books Slam debut

Former world champion earns Grand Slam debut, field all-but complete

Last updated: 2nd November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Beaton books Slam debut

Beaton: Grand Slam debut

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Steve Beaton's recent burst of form has booked him a place in the field for the Grand Slam of Darts, where he will be joined by the latest qualifier Vincet van der Voort.

The duo have been confirmed in the line-up with now 31 of the 32 places in the field taken, with just the winner of a wildcard qualifier left to complete the full compliment for the tournament.

Again the Wolverhampton Civic will stage the event, which runs from November 14-22, and the final player will be added at Friday's qualifier in Irvine on Friday.

Beaton has risen up the rankings in recent weeks to 19th with some continued fine form, including a win in the Players Championship in Holland, his first tournament victory for eight years.

Warwickshire-based Beaton also enjoyed a run to the European Championship final on Sunday in Holland, where he lost to Phil Taylor, meaning he qualifies to make his Grand Slam debut.

Top form

"Steve has been in tremendous form recently and this is a great reward for his success," said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.

"He has battled his way back up the rankings this year and I'm sure he will carry on the success in the PartyPoker.com Grand Slam of Darts."

Van der Voort, meanwhile, qualifies as the leader from the 2009 European Order of Merit, which is comprised from the PDC Pro Tour events held on the Continent this year.

The Dutchman has won £7,600 in those events, just over £2,000 more than second placed Carlos Rodriguez.

Van der Voort joins North American Order of Merit leader Darin Young in qualifying for the Grand Slam of Darts, while DartPlayers Australia number one Simon Whitlock had already secured his place in the event as the 2008 Lakeside runner-up.

Lakeside world champion Ted Hankey heads a list of BDO stars taking part, including Tony O'Shea and Darryl Fitton, while Russian Anastasia Dobromyslova is joined by 2009 women's world champion Francis Hoenselaar as two women take part in this year's event.

The draw for the Grand Slam of Darts will be made on Thursday at 6pm.