Beaton runs out of power in the semis

However, the Wellesbourne thrower paid for the price for his epic struggle against the world number one, losing to eventual champion Scott Waites in the last four.

“I was pretty drained after beating Phil and Scott was outstanding, he deserved the win,” said Beaton, who took home a cheque for £25,000.

Beaton qualified for the knockout stages of the competition after beating Paul Nicholson 5-1 in his final group game.

In the second round, he recovered from losing the opening two legs to beat Ted Hankey 10-6, finishing the clash of the former Lakeside champions with a 101-plus average.

Beaton then sensationally ended Taylor’s three-year reign as The Grand Slam of Darts champion, coming from 14-11 down to take a 16-14 quarter-final win.

Taylor appeared to land a killer blow with a 124 checkout as Beaton waited on 32, putting him 14-11 up and two legs away from the win.

The Power also hit a 180 in the next, but Beaton took out 64 for a 14-darter, 68 to break and then tops to level a thrilling contest.

Taylor then saw his doubles desert him, missing four darts to win a high-quality leg as Beaton posted a 68 finish to move back ahead 15-14.

Three tons put him first in the next, but when he missed three darts at tops to seal victory, Taylor had a chance at 93 to force a deciding final leg

However, Taylor missed the bullseye and gave Beaton a reprieve, with double 16 at the third attempt giving him a famous win.

Taylor admitted Beaton’s finishing ability was the difference between the two players.

“Steve played fantastically and his finishing was the best I’ve seen from him. He was superb and every time he had a dart at a double he took it.”

However, following his fifth big defeat inside a month, the Stoke man had harsh words for the Wolverhampton crowd.

“The crowd were an absolute disgrace,” he said.

“They were booing and jeering every double. If this is what the new generation of darts fan are going to be like, I’m glad I’m quitting soon.”

Beaton, however, was in buoyant mood after the victory, setting his sights on the £100,000 top prize.

“You don’t get many chances when you play Phil and you’ve got to take them, and I did,” said Beaton. “It’s amazing and I would love to go on and win the tournament on Sunday.”

Unfortunately, his run was ended at the semi-final stage, with Waites always one step ahead of Beaton on his way to a 16-9 victory.

“Every time I tried to get back at him he pulled away and he deserved the win,” admitted Beaton, who heads to Derby this weekend for the final Players Championships of the year.