Anderson makes the most of Beaton’s double trouble in the World Matchplay

While Anderson’s scoring was not at its explosive best at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, his finishing was clinical as he landed ten doubles from 21 attempts - punishing 20 misses from Beaton in the process.

The Scot broke throw in the opening leg and then took out 79 and 113 to move three legs up before Beaton got off the mark.

Anderson also took four more legs without reply as he took a 7-1 cushion, and though Beaton won three of the next five legs to stay in the contest, the number three seed fired in his third 180 of the game before sealing the win with a 118 checkout.

“I’m always pleased to get through the first round and I was shaking like a leaf throughout the game because Steve’s been a bit of a bogey player for me and I know what he can do,” said Anderson.

“My finishing was alright by my scoring wasn’t what I wanted it to be. I was a bit rusty but Steve missed a lot of doubles and I hit mine tonight so I’m happy with that.

“The three-ton plus finishes were important because I think he’d had shots at a double.”