Mitchell reaches last 16 of Scottish
West Lothian player beat world number 11
A West Lothian darts player got down to the last 16 of the Scottish Open in Glasgow last weekend – beating the world number 11 in the process.
Jim Mitchell booked his place in the last 16 of the competition which saw more than 1200 competitors from the UK, Ireland and Europe descend on the Normandy Hotel in Glasgow for the two- day tournament.
Mitchell’s fine performance saw him see off a challenge from the man ranked number 11 by the World Darts Federation, Ross Montgomery, before he finally went out against World ranked number eight, Wesley Harms.
Mitchell made his way through to Sunday’s Grand Final and the last 32 with wins of 3-1, 3-0, 3-2, 3-2, 4-3 on the Saturday.
In his last 32 match up Mitchell came up against former Scottish captain and current international Ross Montgomery.
Mitchell went 2- 0 up before Montgomery fought back to level the scores at 2-2.
However, Mitchell fought off any chance of a Montgomery comeback by taking his chances and putting himself in the driving seat, 4-2.
Having dispatched one World ranked player, Mitchell then had to turn his attention to another in the last 16 as he took on Wesley Harms for a place in the quarter finals of the Scottish Open.
A hard battle ensued on the ocky with the longest match a 17-darter.
Mitchell went 0-1 down but came back to lead 3-1, however, it was now Harms’ turn to fight back as he levelled the game at 3-3 to bring about sudden death.
Harms had the advantage of throwing first but Mitchell left 40 after 12 darts before leaving two on the top wire one just below with 20 left – which he himself called a “tragedy”.
Harms had 80 left to hit and took it out in style for the longest game of the match in an 18-dart thriller.
Mitchell hinted after his last16 match that though beaten he would be back for more next year – hopefully to go even further.
Mitchell said: “And so another dream over until next year.”