Former Bournemouth world darts champion will leave BDO after 11 years

Scott Mitchell, 49, has decided to leave the British Darts Organisation (BDO) after 11 years.

He explained in an interview with BUzz the BDO has “lost it’s way” and is in “disrepair”.

The British Darts Organisation was founded in 1973 and organises a total of 10 regular darts events.

Scott, who is from Bournemouth and now lives in Bransgore, was the champion at the Lakeside World Professional Darts Championship in 2015.

The former winner has been with the BDO for 11 years and said: “I would have never been found if it wasn’t for the BDO in the little town of Ringwood where I was playing at the time.”

A combination of issues has resulted in Scott’s decision to leave, including falling on hard times financially and not bringing in the same amount of sponsorship.

At the weekend Scott was playing to qualify for Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) events, including their pro tour.

Unfortunately, he missed out on a ‘tour card’ despite having one of the highest averages of the event.

The PDC also organise a Challenge Tour which offers another opportunity for players to earn a ‘tour card’.

Earning a ‘tour card’ means players can compete in the Pro Tour, where some events may be televised.

Scott said he wishes the best to the CEO and hopes the BDO can get back on their feet but his move to the PDC probably would have happened despite their problems.