STEVE BEATON won his final Group E game at the 2011 William Hill Grand Slam of Darts with a 5-2 victory against James Hubbard.Phil Taylor's victory against Mervyn King in the second Group E contest of the evening confirmed that Beaton would qualify for the next round.
Beaton broke throw by hitting double 10 with his last dart to win the opening leg but Hubbard won the second after Beaton was guilty of missing four darts at doubles for a 2-0 lead.
The former World Champion put those errors behind as he regained the lead with an excellent 130 checkout, on the bullseye, and he took the fourth for a 3-1 lead after Hubbard missed four chances to level.
Beaton hit a 180 in the process of the winning to fifth leg to put within touching distance of victory but the 19-year-old youngster showed nerve as hit double nine with his last dart to keep the match alive.
Hubbard had the advantage of throw in the seventh but one dart missed at tops proved costly as Beaton stepped up to land double 16 and end Hubbard's campaign.
"I knew it was going to be tough against James tonight," admitted Beaton.
"It's his first televised experience and he impressed a lot. The last few days will give him valuable experience for the future.
"I had a fantastic run here last year which included victories over Ted Hankey and Phil Taylor. I would love to do something similar again this year."
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