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.
"Next year will definitely be my last, however this tournament goes," said Beaton.
"I’m 60 next year and it’s a gruelling circuit.
"I’ve been married 30-odd years now and my wife hardly sees me, I’m only home half of the year.
"People don’t understand what you have to do to carry on with the darts.
"It’s great if you are a youngster, I would have been buzzing if it had been like this when I was 21. But it’s quite draining and it will be nice to spend a bit of time at home for a change.
"I thought this year was going to be my last, but I started off really well."
Fans' favourite Beaton will take on Daryl Gurney in round two, and the 59-year-old is determined to make the most of his last few appearances on the sport's biggest stages.
"Even if I won the Worlds, I’d still have to sit back and think I can’t keep going," Beaton continued.
“Wouldn’t it be a good way to go out by winning the Worlds!
“Walking up to the stage here I still get the same buzz, it’s unbelievable. That’s what you play for.
“You are not going to get that buzz anywhere else. The fans don’t let me down, they were great again.
“Things like winning here really encourage me. It shows that I’m not finished yet. That’s what keeps me going.
“It’s Daryl next, I’ve played him loads of times and it will be tough. I know how capable he is.”