Scott Mitchell was highly fancied by some for a run at the 2021/22 PDC
World Darts Championship but despite a late rally, he was dumped out with ease by fellow debutant
Chris Landman.
Landman pounced on 14 missed darts at the double and nearly produced a whitewash victory over the former Lakeside champion in a match which usually would be played on the BDO/WDF stage in days past.
But it is 'The Countryman' who faces Ian White in a tie which he will believe is winnable.
A 180 and 36 saw an opening break for Landman and he pinned the same target to go one away from the opening set. The Dutchman pounced on Mitchell making it 0/8 on the doubles and he sealed the set.
Mitchell made it 0/10 as Landman held once more to lead in the second set. A 180 followed by 140 saw 'The Countryman' on his way to a break as he looked to go two sets up.
Landman missed a 120 checkout to seal the set but Mitchell couldn't hit a double as he was sat at 0/12 as the former took a two sets lead.
He missed two more as Landman pinned 76 for a hold and the lead in the third set. Both hit 180's but Landman produced his at an opportune moment as he went one away from the win.
Mitchell produced a great leave in 40 and hit it to spare his blushes but Landman had the throw to win.
'Scotty Dog' left 81 after nine darts and pinned it after 11 darts to send it to a decider. But despite a late rally, Landman hit a 53 checkout on double 20.