Scott Mitchell is gutted not to have regained his professional status as a Darts player, not least because of his stellar career so far that has seen him compete at the very top.
The Bournemouth born darts player, lost in the round of 64 at the PDC’s Q-School tournament earlier this month. The result has hindered Scott’s chances of earning back a tour card.
“I look back and think maybe I did too much commentary in December and didn’t give myself enough practice chance. The farm was so busy around that time.” These are the reasons Scott believes impeded his performance at the Q-School tournament.
‘Scotty Dog’, the 2015 BDO world champion, is not a young gun anymore. The 54-year-old, has been preparing for a life after darts providing commentary for Talksport’s coverage of the World Championships that took place over December and the start of January. “I’ve got to think forward and ensure I’m looking after my future. Commentary is definitely something I’m interested in.”
Although Scott has not yet got a tour card, he still remains hopeful. “I should be going to the qualifiers in a few weeks to try and earn my place, I know that I’m not playing that well at the minute, it’s a tough one, a really tough one.”
The PDC’s decisions don’t always satisfy Scott, the structuring of the Q-School tournament caused chaos. “I think they got totally wrong, there was other reasons why they go it wrong. There were people pulling out of phase one after a day because they’ve found, some of them didn’t read their brief on the right day and then they found out they couldn’t make the last three days anyway. They had already committed to their counties some of them went home.” Now Scott is in the twilight of his career, he is quicker to point things he disagrees with out. “I believe they did it for the few and not thought about the majority.” He also said, “I think there were so many players saying well if I get my card I’m going to hand it back, I think those players force the PDC’s hand.” Scott went onto also talk about how he believes he can be more controversial due to being a later stage of his career. “I’m getting later in my career now and I believe I’m able to be more controversial.”
The darts star also spoke about his friendship and support for fellow darts player Fallon Sherrock, who is thriving in the PDC tournaments. “I knew she would step up. I think its excellent that she is top of the tree and playing well, I think its brilliant for the women’s game.” Scott has been friends with Sherrock ever since she was incorporated into the England set up a few years back.
Farming is also a big part of Scott’s life, he lives on a farm and works tirelessly to maintain it. “Farming is part of me, now I’m getting older I am more and more focused on it.” What is next for Scott and his darts career remains to be seen.
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