AN impressive victory against former world champion Steve Beaton was a highlight for Stuart Kellett over an otherwise frustrating weekend.

The Northwich thrower edged the 53-year-old, who is still ranked inside the Professional Darts Corporation’s top 30, after winning a deciding leg during a qualifier for the Austrian Open in Milton Keynes on Friday.

However a 6-3 reverse against Jamie Lewis denied the Cheshire regular a trip to Vienna next month.

Kellett had earlier fallen at the first hurdle in a UK preliminary for the European Matchplay, losing 6-5 to Jamie Bain.

The 35-year-old contested two Players’ Championship tournaments at the same venue on Saturday and Sunday, suffering first-round exits to Dutchman Jimmy Hendriks (5-6) and Jamie Caven (4-6) respectively.

Results

European Darts Matchplay

UK qualifier

Friday, May 19

First round

Jamie Bain 6-5 Stuart Kellett

Austrian Darts Open

UK qualifier

Friday, May 19

Second round

Stuart Kellett 6-5 Steve Beaton

Third round

Jamie Lewis 6-3 Stuart Kellett

Players’ Championship 11

Saturday, May 20

First round

Jimmy Hendriks 6-5 Stuart Kellett

Players’ Championship 12

Sunday, May 21

First round

Jamie Caven 6-4 Stuart Kellett