Scott Mitchell: BDO world champion embraces new pressure

Scott Mitchell says he will enjoy the added pressure brought by his new status as BDO world champion.

The 44-year-old will compete at the Dutch Open in Assen on Friday, his first major tournament since his thrilling victory at Lakeside.

"There is pressure. I've had a target on my back for a couple of years but it's just that it's bigger than it used to be," he told BBC Radio Solent.

"I think I'll enjoy it. It's a great honour to be world champion."

He added: "The attention is different but I'm the type of guy that won't let it get to me."

Mitchell beat Martin 'Wolfie' Adams 7-6 in a classic final earlier this month to win £100,000 in prize money and a place in the sporting spotlight.

The Dutch Open is the biggest tournament on the BDO circuit in terms of entrants, with almost 3,000 players set to do battle in front of a crowd of around 1,000 fans.

It will be a far cry from Mitchell's first competitive action after winning the world title, which came in the slightly more sedate surroundings of the Branksome and Upper Parkstone Conservative Club for Dorset's victory over Somerset., external

"I've played some county stuff but this is a baptism of fire and a huge test," added Bransgore-based Mitchell.

"At this tournament they have TV lanes so that several hundred people can watch you. As the top seed and world champion I'll be playing on those all day, so there's added pressure and extra attention on you all of the time."