In a heartwarming display of dedication and skill, darts legend Steve 'The Adonis' Beaton is showing the world that champions never truly retire. The 61-year-old former Lakeside world champion has put himself in an excellent position to regain his PDC Tour Card after an impressive quarter-final run at UK Q-School in Milton Keynes.

After stepping away from professional darts at the end of 2024, Beaton's love for the game brought him back after just one year. His dramatic return has already yielded fantastic results, with the beloved veteran currently sitting in a strong fifth position in the order of merit. The top five players after four days of competition will earn their Tour Cards, meaning Beaton is tantalizingly close to securing his return to the professional circuit.

Beaton's quarter-final appearance on Thursday saw him narrowly lose 6-5 to Australia's Adam Leek in what must have been a thrilling match. While the loss means he won't secure his Tour Card through the daily finals route, his consistent performance has him perfectly positioned on the merit ladder.

The first day of Q-School 2026 has already produced some wonderful success stories. Germany's Arno Merk secured his Tour Card with a remarkable comeback from 5-3 down to defeat Jeffrey Sparidaans 6-5, following up his memorable debut at Alexandra Palace with immediate success. Poland's Filip Bereza delivered perhaps the most dramatic performance of the day, recovering from 5-1 down and surviving nine match darts to overcome former World Matchplay semi-finalist Jeffrey De Zwaan.

On the UK side, Welshman Rhys Griffin celebrated his return to the PDC Tour with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Scott Waites, while Adam Leek, fresh from his win over Beaton, earned his first-ever PDC Tour Card by edging out Tyler Thorpe in a decisive final leg.

The Q-School format offers multiple pathways to success, with 29 Tour Cards available across both UK and European Qualifying Schools. The daily finalists automatically secure their cards, while consistent performers throughout the four-day event can earn their places through the order of merit system. This structure means that veterans like Beaton, who bring invaluable experience and fan appeal, have multiple opportunities to achieve their goal.

Beaton's journey resonates with darts fans worldwide, reminding everyone that passion and skill can transcend age. Among 926 hopefuls competing for their dreams, 'The Adonis' has already distinguished himself, proving he still possesses the talent that made him a household name in darts.

With three more days of competition ahead, Beaton needs to maintain his strong form to secure that coveted top-five position. His return adds a wonderful narrative to this year's Q-School and demonstrates the enduring appeal of professional darts as a sport where experience and determination count just as much as youth.

The darts community will be watching eagerly as this inspiring comeback story continues to unfold over the coming days.